An ambitious scheme for a £250 million sterling (€391 million) development in Newry including a covered sports stadium with a 35,000 capacity is being examined by the local council.
The plan has been put to Newry and Mourne Council by a group of local businessmen, who along with others, were at the core of the recent regeneration of the Newry area.
They envisage extending the commercial development potential of the Albert Basin and land held privately and currently occupied by Pairc Esler, the current GAA playing field.
Their proposals include a multi-purpose enclosed 35,0000-seater sport stadium/convention centre with a retractable roof, a leisure centre, and a 50-metre swimming pool.
Council chairman Mr Frank Feeley said: "If realised this [project] will establish Newry as a centre of excellence within the entire island of Ireland and maximise Newry's strength as a regional gateway in the Northern Ireland and cross-border context".
The stadium would provide a top-class environment for sport, including GAA, soccer, rugby, hockey, swimming and other sports, the plan said.
PA