Green Light For Ravenhill Rugby Grounds Refit

Belfast City Council has given the green light to Ravenhill rugby ground's redevelopment plans.

The £6 million facelift will include the construction of three new grandstands with hospitality areas and new entrances at Onslow Parade and Mount Merrion in south Belfast.

Previous plans had been rubber-stamped by the Executive Committee of the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), back in March 2005.


It is understood the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey passed the amendment, on condition that the upgrade will not interfere with local residents.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid was delighted at the development receiving approval.

He said: "If we are to continue to develop the only full-time professional sport in Northern Ireland, an upgrade to the quality of facilities is absolutely essential."

(LC/SP)