Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has welcomed the long awaited approval for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society to permanently develop a new centre at the site of the former Maze Prison.  On Monday the First Minister and deputy First Minister approved the construction of a permanent RUAS pavilion at the site.    

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said;

“The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has a long and distinguished history and has made a major social and economic contribution in Northern Ireland over the last 160 years. The highlight of its year, the Balmoral Show, has become one of the most important events within Northern Ireland’s calendar with attendances continuing to grow. 

“Two years ago the RUAS secured planning approval for the relocation of the show to the Maze site outside Lisburn and has since held two highly successful shows there, with  attendances in excess of 100,000 people. I trust the permission from OFMdFM, as delayed as it may be, will now allow the RUAS to commence the construction of a permanent centre. 

“This construction by the RUAS, which will guarantee the success of the show for many years to come, will be a major catalyst for further redevelopment on the site and the wider Lisburn area.

“Whilst the Ulster Unionist Party were central in blocking the depraved plan for the so-called conflict resolution centre at the site, a facility that would have inevitably become a shrine to former terrorists, we have always promoted the wider site as an area ripe for economic development. The permission for the RUAS to now commence work on a permanent facility will likely make the site even more attractive to other investors.”