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

Long Kesh site announcement must not become excuse for a stadium at Ormeau Park

Published: 30 January, 2009

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that the recent announcements by Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Gregory Campbell in relation to the proposed developments at the Long Kesh site cannot be used as an excuse to build a stadium at Ormeau Park.


The South Belfast MLA said,

"Many residents, particularly in the Ballynafeigh and Ravenhill areas have voiced their fears to me that Gregory Campbell's recent comments that a stadium would not be built on the Long Kesh site would be used as an excuse to push through proposals to build a stadium at Ormeau Park.


"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. Gregory Campbell's comments must not become an excuse to build a stadium at Ormeau Park.


"I would call upon all the other political parties on Belfast City Council to add their support to the local residents in this area".

CRÍOCH