The construction trade is to enjoy a minor fillip with news that work on a £1m upgrade to Institute FC's ground in Drumahoe in Co Londonderry has begun.

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and party colleague Sports Minister Nelson McCausland cut the first sod of the major improvement scheme at Institute's Riverside facility.

Over £800,000 was provided by the Executive under Phase III of Sport Northern Ireland's Stadia Safety Programme and the Sports Minister said: "If football is to prosper, we need modern facilities which are welcoming and safe for spectators. The improvements at the Riverside Stadium will provide safer and more attractive family friendly facilities for fans.

"This in turn will help promote greater participation in sport which is a key objective of the NI Sports Strategy - Sport Matters.

"Much praise should also go to my predecessor Gregory Campbell MP who over the years has championed the cause for safety at all the major sports grounds in Northern Ireland.

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"His dedication to furthering safety measures has resulted in ground improvements to a number of grounds, including the one here at Institute," said Minister McCausland.

For his part, the First Minister added: "Government delivering for people at this level is what devolution is all about. Working in partnership, Stormont and clubs such as Institute FC can help deliver on many of our targets in relation to health, social cohesion and the shared future we all strive for. I wish Institute FC every success in the future."

The proposed works, aimed at improving health and safety compliance with existing legislation and ensuring the venue meets ground requirements as laid out by the Irish Football Association, will provide: a new East Stand circa 650 seated capacity; upgrading of seating in the North and South stands; toilet facilities including disabled provision; two new turnstiles; Crowd Control Point; a new pitch perimeter barrier; and a new dug-out at the south side of the stadium.

The improvements will bring the ground's capacity to 3,000 and the work is due to be completed by March 2011 with Billy Gillard, a member of Institute's Development Committee, said the club were delighted the work was underway.

"In terms of comfort and safety we will have one of the best stands around, and that includes good facilities for people with disabilities.

"Hopefully this will enable us to attract more players and more spectators, and it will be good for the Drumahoe area all round."

The Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, Eamonn McCartan, said the upgrade would improve the health and safety of spectators: "This will greatly improve the safety infrastructure at the venue, and also ensure that the facilities on offer meet the expectations of spectators in terms of comfort and accessibility."

(BMcC/GK)