MLAs say NI sports museum could boost tourism and create ‘lasting legacy’

MLAs have expressed support for a sports museum to create a “lasting legacy” for Northern Ireland’s sporting heroes.

UUP MLA Alan Chambers brought the motion to the Assembly, calling on the Ministers for Economy and Communities to establish a working group exploring the feasibility and appetite for the project.

Mr Chambers said Northern Ireland is “long overdue a sporting museum”.

“I recall the doubts expressed by many about the sustainability of the Titanic Centre being built in Belfast, and the requirement for 290,000 annual visitors for it to break even,” he said.

“From the moment it opened its doors in 2012, attendance figures have grown year on year, and the figure for 2024 was an amazing 900,000 visitors.

“I firmly believe that the rich sporting history we have in Northern Ireland will ensure that a sports museum becomes a major tourist attraction, with the added value of creating employment.