NI minister orders stadium viability report

A Northern Ireland government study was ordered today into whether a new sports stadium should be built in Northern Ireland.

A Northern Ireland government study was ordered today into whether a new sports stadium should be built in Northern Ireland.

Ms Angela Smith, the North's sports minister, said she had asked Northern Ireland's Strategic Investment Board to investigate whether a new stadium would be commercially viable.

Ms Smith said: "For years there has been argument and debate about such a stadium and I believe it is now time to see whether the figures stack up.

"The three sports which would be most closely involved in any future project - soccer, rugby and Gaelic games - are currently looking at their future needs and that is why I want to explore the issue in greater detail."