'Release Stadium Buildings Jobs', Says Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein has called on the Sports Minister to deliver much-needed construction jobs through the placing of public sector contracts, namely at the proposed site for a national stadium at Long Kesh (possible design pictured) - stressing "it is time to act".

The former Maze Prison site has proved one of the most divisive issues for the incumbent Stormont Executive.

Unionists have broadly blasted the proposals for the mixed-use stadium, located outside Lisburn, with rumblings of DUP discontent being felt since the start of the year, amid ongoing media speculation.

The DUP has retained its veto on the proposals, which are being strongly endorsed by Sinn Fein.

Chair of the Stormont Sports Committee, Sinn Fein MLA, Barry McElduff, has urged Minister Gregory Campbell to now deliver on the sites potential, and release thousands of much needed jobs.

Mr McElduff's call comes after the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors stressed the need for Assembly movement on boosting public sector construction work.

Mr McElduff said: "Minister Campbell must be decisive and move the Long Kesh project forward. For too long internal DUP splits and divisions have been allowed to stall this project.

"The debate around the Long Kesh site has been going on for well over 10 years now. The inquisition is now over; it is time to act.

"There is huge economic uncertainty and serious pressure on the construction industry. This is a major project that can inject life into the building sector creating thousands of jobs.

"What we need to see now is action and an end to DUP rivalries which are holding up a lot of valuable construction industry jobs," he said.

Answering question on a live web chat for the Newsletter last week, Mr Campbell said a decision would be reached on the future of the site "very soon".

The Northern Ireland cabinet has not met since July, with Sinn Fein refusing to participate in the last two rounds of ministerial talks.

See: Maze Talks Renew At Stormont

See: Maze Stadium Confusion Continues

See: Minister's Maze Verdict Due In Weeks

(PR)