No decision yet on Maze stadium, says Robinson

THE NORTH'S finance minister Peter Robinson has said that no decision has yet been made concerning the proposed Maze shared sports stadium.

Speaking at Stormont following reports that plans to develop the former prison site would be abandoned, the DUP deputy leader said: "I can confirm that no decision has been taken either at government level or indeed within my party as far as the future of the project is concerned."

The project is known to be politically sensitive, especially for unionists who oppose plans for the retention of one of the Maze prison's H-blocks and its development into a conflict transformation centre.

Mr Robinson said questions about the viability of the stadium depended on business assessments provided by the sports department.

"The Department of Finance and Personnel have received the business case from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and from the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister," Mr Robinson said. "They have had a first consideration of it and have a number of inquiries to make as a result of that."

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times