To ask the Minister for Communities for an update of the Sub-Regional Stadia programme, to include (i) the reasons for the delay in its implementation; (ii) the amount of money so far given out by the programme; (iii) the anticipated timeline for the programme; and (iv) the breakdown of funding already agreed.

The Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer is one of the commitments in the “New Decade, New Approach” agreement and as such my Department has been working to update the evidence base for the programme given the passage of time since the original consultation.

A range of primary and secondary research tools have been adopted to inform the updated evidence base. This work is nearing completion and has utilised a club survey along with discussions with key stakeholders including governing bodies of football, Sport NI, councils and Disability Sport NI. The analysis stage has begun and will inform the shape and scope of the programme going forward including the timeline for delivery.

The budget for the programme remains at £36.2m subject to affordability. No capital expenditure has been incurred and no allocations have been agreed.