McGimpsey calls for Windsor Park upgrade funding

Former Sports Minister, Michael McGimpsey has criticised both the Government and Northern Ireland football authorities for failing to net urgent funding for upgrading Windsor Park in Belfast.

Responding to answers given by Sports Minister Angela Smith to questions he had raised in the Commons on his behalf by North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon, Mr McGimpsey reacted angrily to the DCAL Minister’s revelation that, to date, none of the £8 million Soccer Strategy budget has been earmarked for Windsor Park.

“It is time for the Government to get the finger out and address this matter immediately," Mr McGimpsey said. "How can they have sat back on their hands all this time and not examined the whole issue of Windsor Park in light of the knowledge that England are expected to go there and play?

“Here we have the visit of one of the leading international teams, captained by David Beckham, and yet we have nobody working on how Windsor Park can be upgraded. It is hugely disappointing because the Minister is a football fan and would consider herself to be an England supporter.

“This is the first time in nearly 18 years that England have deemed it fit to come to Belfast to play and as things stand Windsor Park will not be up to the standards required by FIFA, world football's governing body."

The Minister said while an indicative sum of £3 million has been earmarked from Soccer Strategy monies for playing facilities generally, bringing Windsor Park up to the required standard for the World Cup qualifiers against England and Wales “could be considered as part of the playing facilities component of the Strategy”.

(MB)