The official assessment of a Northern Ireland multi-purpose stadium, based at the former Maze prison site, was presented to Finance Minister Peter Robinson, today.

And Stormont sources say the project, tipped for rejection by the First Minister-in-waiting, Mr Robinson, has exceeded expected costs by ten of millions of pounds.

The initial plans outlined, by Sports Minister Edwin Poots, proposed a 35,000-seater multi-sports stadium, a project aimed at regenerating the former Maze site.

It is planned that the eventual stadium will house the Province's national football, rugby and GAA teams.

But the UUP Minister's plans faced strong opposition from Northern Ireland football supporters and Belfast City Council.

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Both suggested a sport stadium would be best located in the capital city, Belfast, a claim supported by a business survey conduced by the University of Ulster.

Many cited poor transport links and political cogitations, relating to the hunger strikers' legacy, as the main reasons for extinguishing a Lisburn-based site.

Unionist have also raised concerns about a possible conflict transformation center being built on the site.

Mr Robinson's final say on the matter has attracted endless speculation in the media, with reports in March suggesting a DUP delegation, meeting in Spain, decided to bin any stadium plans at the Maze.

This attracted criticism from ranks of the UUP, the most vocal being UUP Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea.

Last week Mr Robinson, the DUP Leader-elect announced that failing the successful outcome of the Maze project, another scheme would be built on the site.

Sinn Fein has made it clear its Executive ministers and MLAs will not support any other proposal.

Mr Robinson's final conclusion is due by the end of this month.

Alternative development ideas circulating include industrial or housing provisions, or a potential relocation of the Belfast showground, for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

(PR/JM)