The talking time seems to be at an end as the three main sporting bodies involved in the proposed Maze stadium plan have jointly rejected an invitation to meet a Stormont committee to hold further discussions on the proposals.

The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure committee asked for the meeting with the three men in charge of the IFA, GAA and Ulster Rugby to talk about the stalled plan.

However, Howard Wells of the IFA, the GAA's Danny Murphy and Mike Reid of Ulster Rugby, who all support the original proposals have already met the committee.

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Apparently snubbing the committee over the delayed decision to build the stadium, they wrote to say there was nothing further to discuss.

The sports chiefs said that in the lack of any viable alternative and the unlikelihood of other options being brought forward within a time frame, which would prove to be acceptable to all three sports - particularly soccer - they feel there is nothing to be added to the current debate.

All three men added that they are convinced the current plan will provide a stadium, which will cover its operating costs and provide income for the sports involved.

Howard Wells said he felt that it was a time for action rather than words.

(BMcC)