Environment Minister Alex Attwood today granted planning permission for new International standard showgrounds and associated show rings at the Maze.

The application by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) will enable the Balmoral Show to take place in its new location in May 2013.

The proposal is seen as the catalyst for the redevelopment of the Maze/ Long Kesh prison site by the recently appointed Maze/ Long Kesh Development Corporation.

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This is another 'Article 31' (major planning application), one in an ongoing series of large planning announcements being made by the Minister.

Minister Attwood said: "I have given very careful consideration to this proposal, interrogating all of the issues, including the potential for traffic disruption in the area. I have concluded that effective traffic management by the applicant around events should keep disruption to a minimum.

"The Balmoral Show is an important event within Northern Ireland’s calendar. The proposed relocation by the RUAS is seen as a catalyst for further redevelopment on the Maze/ Long Kesh site, which has been identified as a site of Strategic Importance."

(CD/GK)