South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey voices support for residents in stadium debate

Published: 16 December, 2008

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that Sinn Féin will continue to do all it can to support local residents in the Ballynafeigh area in their campaign to oppose proposals to site a new football stadium in Ormeau Park. Alex Maskey made the pledge of continued support after a special meeting of Belfast City Council's Parks and Leisure Committee reaffirmed its support for a report stating that Ormeau Park was the preferred site for a new multi-purpose stadium.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Proposals to site the new stadium in Ormeau Park have resurfaced once again. Those who are supporting the calls to site the stadium in Ormeau Park are going against the wishes of almost all of the residents living in the area that I have spoken to.


"Residents living in South Belfast, particularly the areas close to the Ormeau Park, are quite rightly concerned at the prospect of having a large stadium built in Ormeau Park. There are particular concerns around the loss of green space as well as the knock on effects that such as stadium would have, such as increased parking and traffic problems, and noise pollution. Added to this is the fact that there is not the infrastructure within the area to cope with such a project.


"Sinn Féin is on record as stating our support for local residents in opposing such a development and this support will continue.


"I would call upon all the other political parties on Belfast City Council to likewise come out in support of the local residents in this area".

CRÍOCH