To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the changes to the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme funding scheme.

The Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer is one of the commitments in the “New Decade, New Approach” Agreement and it provides a real opportunity to contribute to the delivery of wider government priorities and to address a range of social, economic and cultural needs, whilst also meeting the needs of the football family.

Improvements to existing stadia and any new developments must prioritise health and safety provision, be fully accessible, inclusive, sustainable and be based on realistic need.

I am fully committed to delivering on this priority area and to ensuring that the Executive endorsed programme meets the current and future needs of the game.

To this end, I have asked my officials to take forward work to engage with key strategic stakeholders including the IFA, the NI Football League and representatives from District Councils. Once this engagement has been completed, I will then consider proposals to take the Programme forward.