Trevor Lunn MLA said: “It’s a sad day for local sport and a sad day for Lagan Valley. This is a massive missed opportunity for Northern Ireland.
“The Maze stadium project would have provided a large number of jobs firstly for the construction sector, and later in the area of retail and entertainment. I am extremely annoyed at Gregory Campbell.
“This sends out a sorry message to the world that Northern Ireland will be unable to host major events for the foreseeable future.
“The Maze site offers amazing potential and the DUP now appears to have discarded this potential. Alliance has a vision for Northern Ireland. It looks like some others may not.”
Alliance Culture, Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I am extremely disappointed by this decision. While the news was not unexpected, it is nevertheless a real blow for the Northern Ireland economy.
“It means that there will be no shared stadium for Northern Ireland at all. The Minister has plumped for the easy option instead of making the radical decisions needed for this region to face the downturn with confidence.”
ENDS