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If, like me, you don't want a stadium at Ormeau please do something about it. Let the politicians know what you think and it couldn't be easier - here are some links to "ready to send" emails, just cut and paste them: Email the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Email Peter Robinson (Finance)
Email Arlene Foster (Environment)
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Martin.McGuinness@niassembly.gov.uk
Dear First Minister & Deputy First Minister,
I believe that siting a national stadium at Ormeau Park would be nothing short of a national disaster. I have many concerns:
1. Cost – Despite being given over to a private developer the taxpayer will be burdened with further additional hidden costs; 2. Access – The development of a stadium into an already built-up area will put even further strain on local traffic infrastructure; 3. Viability – Expert opinion at UUJ and the NI Select Committee said the city centre should be the stadium site. However the City Council open spaces strategy emphasises the importance of public parks as a vital breathing space and community facility for urban areas. Any new stadium at Ormeau Park would greatly undermine this. 4. Sporting Needs – The Oval, Ravenhill, and Windsor Park stadia are within a short travelling distance from each other. Rugby and Gaelic games are suitably catered for at Ravenhill and Casement Park. 5. Environment – Increased car emissions, the removal of a green urban breathing space and a popular community meeting place would have a detrimental effect on the environment – especially on your department’s commitment to implementing a sustainable development strategy.
I await both your separate comments on this matter,
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Peter.Robinson@niassembly.gov.uk Dear Minister,
I believe that siting a national stadium at Ormeau Park would be nothing short of a national disaster. I have many concerns:
1. Infrastructure – One of the challenges facing the Assembly is the need to address the historic under-investment in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure. The building of a new stadium will put increased pressure on existing road infrastructure. 2. Build Cost – Developers are apparently willing to build a stadium at Ormeau Park for free if the land is handed over to them. Who will foot the bill for increased infrastructure needs around the stadium site and the unseen costs that will undoubtedly arise and need to be met? As frontline services, social housing, schools and water needs all have to be addressed, diverting funding to assist the stadium site is a questionable use of public money. 3. Sustainable Development – How would you ensure that the procurement of materials used by any developer will meet the requirements of the sustainable development strategy? 4. Rates – Your department is conducting a rates review. Belfast rate-payers contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of public parks. How would you hope to compensate rate-payers for the loss of a park that they are paying for?
I await your comments on this matter, |
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To Arlene Foster (Environment): arlene.foster@niassembly.gov.uk Dear Minister,
I have many concerns about proposals for a national stadium development at Windsor Park
1. Increased Emissions – Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing Northern Ireland today. With road transport accounting for 22% of NI carbon emissions, and little sign of the sustainable development strategy being properly implemented– how does building a new stadium in a city centre parkland area close to a heavily populated residential area fit with your carbon reduction targets as the project will undoubtedly attract more traffic to an already congested part of the city? 2. Environment – In the absence of an independent Environmental Protection Agency, would your department measure the environmental impact of any stadium proposal for Ormeau Park?
I await your comments on this matter, |
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Dear Minister,
I have many concerns about the proposals for a national stadium development at Ormeau Park:
1. Site Selection – The situation regarding the site for a new national stadium has sadly become an ongoing political football between councillors, sporting governing bodies, and MLAs. What assurances can you give to local residents that the Ormeau Park site is not an option for the national stadium? 2. A shared future – You have stated that a multi-sport stadium is an important part of achieving a shared future. As the rugby and GAA authorities are either content with, or are re-developing their existing stadia – how will building a new stadium for international football matches only, help to build a shared future? 3. Existing stadia – Ormeau Park is situated between the Oval and Windsor Park football grounds. To build a new football stadium in close proximity to two stadia in urgent need of modernisation seems like an unnecessary duplication of services and a questionable use of resources.
I await your comments on this matter, |
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Conor.Murphy@niassembly.gov.uk
Dear Minister,
I have many concerns about proposals for a national stadium development at Ormeau Park
1. New Roads – What is the proposed cost of upgraded and new roads around the area as a result of increased traffic? 2. Parking – A new stadium will obviously attract more traffic – how would additional parking needs around the stadium be met? 3. Access – Will a traffic model be appraised by your department and approved as acceptable for entry to and exit from the site during events?
I await your comments on this matter,
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