Consultants commissioned by Belfast City Council have identified five viable sites as potential alternatives to the Maze Stadium.

The sites, which the researchers believe are better suited to hosting a multi-sports complex for football, rugby and Gaelic games, are all within the city.

The five locations are Ormeau Park, the Danny Blanchflower Park, the North Foreshore, Maysfield and the Boucher Road playing fields.

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UUP Councillor Bob Stoker, who chairs the Council's Parks and Leisure Committee, said a comprehensive case had been made for a stadium in the city.

"Some councillors require additional information on site specific questions which will be dealt with over the next couple of months," he said.

Councillors must decide on their preferred option before the summer.

The report will now to be given to Ministers Edwin Poots and Peter Robinson who are revising the proposals for a stadium at the former Maze prison site, outside Lisburn.

(VB/JM)