Places

We aim to encourage participation in sport at all levels, which includes identifying and nurturing sporting talent to excel in their chosen field.

STADIUM DEVELOPMENTS

During January 2009 the then Minister advised the Northern Ireland Executive of the decision not to proceed with the Multi-sports stadium at the Maze.  As a consequence, the three governing bodies of the Sports involved - the IFA, Ulster Rugby and the Gaelic Athletic Association - were asked to bring forward preferred alternatives on stadium provision.  The governing bodies' responses were considered by the Northern Ireland Executive in late June 2009 and it was agreed that these should be formally reviewed by DCAL and Sport Northern Ireland. A process for examining the sports' options has been set in place, they key stages of which are: -

• Development of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) which will identify the options to be tested in a full economic appraisal.
• Full economic appraisals which will review the short-listed options in terms of, among other things, their value for money, operational viability, sustainability, affordability and ability to meet the sports' long-terms strategic needs. These appraisals will be carried out to recommended 'Green Book' standards.

This work is planned to be completed by the end of the year, including consideration of economic appraisals by the Department of Finance and Personnel. The proposals will be subject to the normal statutory processes, including planning and ultimately Executive consideration of the budgetary implications will be required.  

SAFETY AT SPORTS GROUNDS

The Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 came fully into operation on 31st December 2009.

In addition, and with effect from 31^st December 2009, all sports grounds designated in the Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2009 (S.R 2009/295) are subject to general safety certification. Owners and operators of the grounds designated are required to apply to their district council for a general safety certificate for that ground. District councils, in turn, have the power to determine the safe capacity and related conditions for admission of spectators. These will be reflected in a district council safety certificate.

DCAL has published a guide on safety requirements at sports grounds to accompany the safety certification scheme, entitled "The Northern Ireland Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds" (Commonly known as "the Red Guide").  This is available to buy from The Stationery Office www.tsoshop.co.uk

Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), is responsible for discharging safety overseeing functions including monitoring the implementation of the safety certification scheme on DCAL’s behalf.  SNI can provide advice on safety matters to all interested parties and also operates a Stadia Safety Programme to help owners/operators of affected stadia to bring their grounds up to standard where required.

In the meantime, the Department has issued the attached general information on The Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 to ground owners and relevant sports governing bodies.

Safety at Sports Grounds - general information 2 - clubs and governing bodies

Information Circulars on Safety of Sports Grounds

Safety at Sports Grounds - information circular no1/07

Safety at Sports Grounds - Information circular no 2/07

Information Circular 1/09 - Overseeing Functions

Safety at Sports Grounds - info circular 2/09 - commencement of certification scheme

MAJOR SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE

The Major Facilities Programme seeks to create a facility, performance and participation legacy for Northern Ireland beyond 2012 that will also cover key gaps in facility provision across the sports infrastructure.  

Sport Northern Ireland is managing competitions, on behalf of DCAL for a Major Facilities Capital Programme. The Stage One competition has produced a preferred bidder for the 50 Metre Pool for which a full business case has been approved. The project is now moving towards the procurement and construction phases.  The competition for Stage Two of the Programme is currently underway and the number of potential projects cannot be identified until the Outline Business Cases have been assessed by Sport Northern Ireland.  

Facilities which emerge from the Programme will create a lasting legacy for future generations of athletes of all levels of ability and indeed the wider community and particularly young people.