AQW 40133/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/02/2026
Answered On Date: 23/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the provision of sports pitches, for sports with predominantly female participation.

Answer:

Under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, district councils hold the statutory responsibility for ensuring that adequate local sports and recreational facilities are provided.

Sport NI has undertaken a review of sporting infrastructure across Northern Ireland, and the Chief Executive has advised as follows:-

“Sport NI’s Infrastructure Review considers the supply-demand analysis of existing infrastructure stock, and the reported peak time demand in densely populated areas for pitches (including female pitch-based sports). The Review also considers comparative supply analysis with other countries and the ownership (across club, community, school estate, district council and other organisations) of existing pitches. It analyses the potential availability of additional existing pitches for community use to address demand.

The Infrastructure Review will form an evidence base that will initiate the engagement and consultation process for the Infrastructure Strategy. This will include female pitch-based participation needs and issues”.