Mark H. Durkan blasts lack of progress on ‘mythical’ subregional stadia fund that could benefit Derry clubs

The SDLP MLA said: “The consultation for the Sub Regional Stadia Fund closed in 2016: clubs have waited long enough for the roll-out to begin and more urgency is needed in light of the impact the pandemic has had on them. The fund has acquired a mythical status at this stage, with clubs wondering if it will ever materialise. This fund offered a chance to complete the Brandywell development and hope to Institute, who have their own plans for a permanent home.

“It is not just the case that the size of grants clubs might avail of may be reduced: the number of clubs who have survived in the past year may also reduce. Minister Deirdre Hargey must get a grip on this and get the ball rolling. In doing so she must pay particular attention to smaller clubs and ensuring a fair regional distribution across the North.”

This week Ms. Hargey said she was committed to having theprogramme up and running before the Assembly mandate ends next year.

“I thought it prudent to have a reassessment to look at the commitments and the need for subregional stadia, because the initial plan is over 10 years old and is outdated. There was another consultation in 2016, and a lot has changed since then, including the impact of COVID. There has been a wide range of engagement with football clubs and associations, including the IFA and others. We are in the middle of concluding that engagement and having recommendations come to me, as Minister, and I will then outline my plans for how the subregional stadia will be rolled out,” she said.