There has been much interest amongst supporters over the summer months with regard to Ground Development plans for Ravenhill, therefore, I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a quick update on where we are and the likely timescales moving forward.

Much has been highlighted in the media over the last number of weeks with regard to both Ravenhill’s Development, National Stadium, and a Stadium for Belfast.  Ulster Rugby remain committed to the National Stadium Project being driven by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.  To that end, two senior volunteers have agreed to participate in a Technical Working Party and a Business Plan Working Party with Government over the forthcoming months.  There remains a great deal of work to be completed between Politicians and Sport if this vision is to become a reality.  However, we remain committed in principle to this Project.

Belfast City Council have undertaken a process of appointing preferred suppliers to produce a Business Plan for a Belfast Stadium.  While not involved in this process, it is our understanding that this Project will deliver a preferred site and a preferred supplier to build a stadium in the region of 20,000-25,000 capacity in the Belfast area.  This Project is of obvious interest to Ulster Rugby but at the time of writing it remains purely in a conceptual stage and therefore would be inappropriate to comment any further on our potential involvement or otherwise moving forward.

Ravenhill Rugby Grounds Planning Application has been lodged some 10 months at this stage and it is envisaged that over the next couple of months that Planning Services may be in a position to put the proposal to Belfast City Council.  There is no doubt that over the summer months we have become very much more aware than we were in the past of a variety of concerns surrounding the Development raised by Residents of the area.  Through the good offices of local politicians they have set up the Ulster Rugby Residents Association with which a small working party from the Ulster Branch have started to communicate on issues surrounding the Planning Application and equally the effect of major matches at the existing venue on Residents of the area.  Whether the Planning Application is successful or otherwise, there is no doubt that we are considered by many to be “unthoughtful neighbours”, and we will be endeavouring over the next few months through a small working group Chaired by Joe Eagleson to improve the relationship with our neighbours regardless of whether Planning for the Development is successful, successful with alteration or unsuccessful.

The next 6 months will undoubtedly make things a lot clearer.  The Ulster Branch Committee must consider all the alternatives moving forward before it commits to major expenditure, however, it is fully committed to providing a better spectator facility in a short time frame.  I will endeavour to keep the public informed as the picture becomes clearer but can promise you, our supporters, that it is our desire to play our Professional Rugby at a Stadium that is fitting to the best supported Team in Celtic Rugby.

Michael Reid

Chief Executive, Ulster Rugby.