Northern Ireland's main agricultural body has inquired if the British government is willing to sell a stake in the former Maze prison site suitable for the hosting of its annual farm show.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society currently stages its annual show at the Balmoral showgrounds in south Belfast each May, attracting tens of thousands from both the city and country areas.
Some 20 per cent of those attending this year's show were first-time visitors.
The society has written to Northern Ireland Office minister David Hanson to ask if the government is willing to consider selling 40 acres of the former prison site, about 10 miles from Balmoral, which could be used to stage the annual event.
GAA, rugby and soccer authorities have already indicated their willingness to use the planned new facilities, which include a 42,000-capacity stadium. Demolition of the compounds began last month.