Football chiefs meet with Communities Minister over stadium funding

Northern Ireland football chiefs have sought assurances from the Communities Minister that the sub-regional stadia funding plan remains on the table.

There was confusion earlier this week when it was reported that the £36m pot had been shelved after the Executive collapsed earlier this month.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey later insisted her department's proposal was "ready to go", but the ongoing delay has been met with widespread criticism.

The Executive committed £36m to the development of local football stadiums in Northern Ireland back in 2015., while the initial proposals date back to 2011.

A delegation from the Irish FA and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) met with Ms Hargey on Thursday.

IFA president Kirkwood said it was a positive meeting.

He said: “We were pleased to hear the minister clarify the remarks she made earlier this week and that sub-regional funding for football stadia in Northern Ireland would still be made available.

“We know football improves people’s lives. We also know that, in Northern Ireland, it is in need of investment which is long overdue.

“Our job now is to work in collaboration with the minister, and all football stakeholders from senior clubs at NIFL to the grassroots, to ensure this promise is delivered on.”

NI Football League chief executive Gerard Lawlor added: "We held an open and frank discussion and we received assurances: the programme will proceed as planned, acknowledgement that an increase on the £36m is required and is being sought, and the programme remains a flagship project for the Executive.

"Communication is key in the delivery of this programme going forward and I hope to see it delivered in a timely manner."

A number of football figures have hit out