Work to transform a disused playing field in East Belfast has been halted pending further discussions on its proposed use, Belfast City Council has confirmed.
It is understood that local GAA clubs were keen on availing of the site at Victoria Park near George Best Belfast City Airport.
Initial work had already commenced on transforming the main playing field and pictures obtained by Belfast Live show the venue has been marked and lined for Gaelic Games.
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There are already modern changing rooms at Victoria Park, but the pitches that were previously marked out for soccer were not being used by any local clubs.
The revamped site would remain under the control of Belfast City Council for the foreseeable future with teams able to block slots for training and matches with East Belfast GAA believed to be keen on using the pitch.
A club spokesperson said: “As it stands, we are awaiting official confirmation regarding the status of the proposed GAA pitches.
“Until such a time that we receive confirmation from Belfast City Council, we will be making no further comment regarding this issue.”
Despite initial works to restore the playing fields taking place, Belfast City Council have now confirmed that progress has been brought to a halt pending further talks with East Belfast GAA and local elected representatives.
A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “Council is working to identify a suitable location for East Belfast GAA but no final decision has been taken. Work will continue with both East Belfast GAA and local councillors to progress this.
“Some initial preparatory work which had started at Victoria Park has now been halted pending further engagement.”
East Belfast were formed in May 2020 and began training at Henry Jones’ Playing Fields in the Castlereagh Hills soon after their launch, but they do not currently have a permanent home venue for training or matches.
East Belfast GAA cater for all four codes - football, hurling, ladies football and camogie - and have used a number of venues across the city for games and training including The Dub, Woodlands and Falls Park.
They are one of a number of GAA clubs in Belfast currently without a home pitch while several clubs share facilities.
Ardoyne Kickhams and Patrick Pearse’s currently share Cliftonville Playing Fields, which has also been the home of Crumlin Star FC in recent seasons.
Antrim side St Malachy’s GAC share Cherryvale Playing Fields with Down outfit Bredagh while two other recently-formed clubs in north Belfast, Wolfe Tones Greencastle and Henry Joy McCracken’s are, are still seeking permanent home venues.
The potential restoration of the facilities at Victoria Park could prompt Belfast City Council to revive other disused sites across the city.
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