To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme; (ii) what plans she has to expedite the programme; and (iii) to detail the conversations she has had with sports clubs in relation to the delay in the programme.

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 refresh and re-engage with the programme to provide a robust evidence base on the challenges, strategic priorities and needs of soccer at all levels.

A range of primary and secondary research tools have been adopted to inform the 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 of the work to date is informing the shape and scope of the programme going forward.