Trevor Ringland, the former rugby international and NI Conservatives’ spokesman for sport, believes redeveloping Ravenhill could bring the Ireland rugby team, and economic benefits, to Belfast.
“Tomorrow Ireland plays Fiji at Thomond Park, in Limerick”, Trevor pointed out. “It’s great to see international matches being taken out around the provinces and the work which will soon make the Ravenhill rugby ground a modern stadium means that Belfast can get in on the act.”
“The aim should be to persuade the IRFU to host an international match at Ravenhill in 2014, when the ground will be finished. Ireland rugby matches bring huge revenues into Dublin each year and while major international will continue to be played there, Belfast deserves to reap similar benefits from some of the other matches. This type of event can bring people into Northern Ireland, where they will spend money on hotels, food and night-life, helping the economy.”
“The work which is taking place to transform three sports stadiums, Ravenhill, Casement Park and Windsor Park, will allow Belfast to host international quality events. It will be a huge boost to the economy and to Northern Ireland.”