The Northern Ireland Executive has approved a funding package worth £138m towards the redevelopment of the province's three main sports stadiums in Belfast.

More than £61m has been awarded to the Irish Football Association (IFA) for the planned overhaul of Windsor Park, as well as to establish a new national training centre.

A number of sub-regional football stadium schemes will also benefit from the award, which will be made available over a six-year period.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has been awarded the same amount as the IFA - £61.4m - to help upgrade Casement Park.

Ulster Rugby is to benefit from nearly £15m towards its plans for the future redevelopment of its Ravenhill Stadium base, which currently has a capacity of 12,300.

Northern Ireland sports minister Nelson McCausland said: "This major investment is great news for our economy and in particular for our local construction sector.

"Modern, fit-for-purpose and spectator-friendly stadium facilities can only enhance the sports' standing and will assist the development of the three sports from grassroots right up to international levels."

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