Maze D-day looms
By David Gordon
Belfast Telegraph
Saturday 26, April 2008
The countdown is under way to a Stormont decision in the long-running Maze stadium debate, the Belfast Telegraph understands.
The vexed issue is expected to be on the agenda of the Executive within the next two months.
And it has been confirmed that officials in Finance Minister Peter Robinson’s department are close to finalising their value for money assessment of the project.
The odds on a go-ahead for a new Maze stadium project have lengthened in recent months, amid opposition within the DUP’s Assembly grouping.
Two other departments have had key roles in the internal Government deliberations.
The role of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) involves the overall development of the massive former Maze Prison site, while the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s responsibilities centre on the stadium proposal.
A spokesman for the Department of Finance and Personnel last night said: ” DFP is in receipt of an outline business case and affordability assessment from OFMDFM and DCAL for the regeneration of the Maze/Long Kesh site.
“The issues involved are extremely complex and have required DFP officials to work closely with those in OFMDFM and DCAL to seek clarification on a number of issues. Final advice will be provided by officials to Ministers soon.”
The completion of the DFP appraisal will lead to the issue being brought to the Executive for a decision.
Assembly sources anticipate that Mr Robinson would prefer to see the matter addressed before he replaces Ian Paisley as First Minister in June.
It is also believed that he could face a backbench DUP revolt over a pro-Maze verdict on the stadium.
There is deep unease within the party over plans for a conflict transformation centre, incorporating the section of the old H block prison that has been given listed building protection.
