AQW 30014/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 18/02/2022
Answered On Date: 08/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities why funding under the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer requires approval from the Executive.

Answer:

I reiterate that moving this Programme forward remains a priority for me as it has been since I took up office.

My officials have worked to provide a robust and up-to-date evidence base for the Programme by undertaking a Refresh and Re-engagement' exercise.

That work has been essential and has involved key stakeholders who have made a valuable contribution as members of the Advisory Working Group.

Department’s officials continue to investigate facility needs identified through ongoing discussions with individual clubs and organisations.

This work is progressing at pace to enable the Programme to be launched and for the funding to be released. The Advisory Working Group continues to meet to provide advice and guidance to officials as the development work moves forward.

There are additional and immediate challenges created by the resignation of the First Minister and the consequent collapse of the Executive, which, in terms of the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, means I cannot bring new proposals to the Executive for endorsement and agreement as would have been required.

These problems were not created by anyone in the football sector and I am determined that the sector does not suffer because of the actions of others. I remain determined to find a way around these difficulties to deliver the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme and the essential funding needed by football clubs.

I met with representatives from IFA and NIFL, and have agreed to work with them to progress this project to application stage.

I remain committed to moving this Programme forward and will continue to work to progress it. I am committed to working with fellow Ministers and key stakeholders to deliver for football at all levels.

I have written to Ministers who remain in post asking them to support my efforts to progress this Programme as a matter of urgency.