Sports Minister highlights need for venue safety

Sports Minister David Hanson has visited Ravenhill today to raise awareness of a consultation process on proposed legislation governing safety in sports grounds.

As part of an ongoing consultation, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure recently published legislation that would mean the introduction of a safety certification scheme similar to that which already exists in Great Britain for larger sports grounds and non-temporary spectator stands.

The Minister said: “The new legislation will give powers to local District Councils to issue safety certificates, enforce the conditions of the safety certificates and, if necessary, issue prohibition notices. Valid certificates will be needed for sporting events and also for any other public event held in sports grounds, such as the Meatloaf concert being staged here on Friday night.

“The certificates will incorporate spectator viewing capacities, entry and exiting arrangements, safety management arrangements and contingency plans.

“The draft legislation comes about as a result of my Department’s consultation last year on improving the level of safety for spectators at sports grounds throughout Northern Ireland”, he said.

Mr Hanson said the Department would also ensure advice and guidance would be provided to all interested parties, including governing bodies of sporting organisations, clubs and the District Councils responsible for issuing the safety certificates.

Urging sporting organisations and other interested parties to respond to the draft Order in Council, Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, the Minister added: “The introduction of the safety certification scheme would enhance the safety of spectators while using the facilities at the various sporting grounds throughout Northern Ireland.

“However, I must stress that this Order will not address public order offences, such as pitch invasions, missile throwing or sectarian or racist abuse. These issues are being addressed separately.

“I believe the introduction of this Order will encourage sporting bodies to improve their facilities to minimise any possibility of tragic accidents occurring which might have been prevented had the correct safety features been in place.

“The introduction of good safety standards will reduce the risk of accidents, encourage more families to support sporting events and will help build attendance figures.”

(SP/MB)