Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has come under pressure to move forward with £36 million funding for the redevelopment of local football grounds across Northern Ireland.

The investment for local clubs was approved in 2011, but has remained stalled over the last three years due to the absence of an NI Executive.

Local UUP MLA Andy Allen MBE has called on Minister Hargey to provide clarity on projects like the 'Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer'.

"The fact that we now have a new Minister in place at the Department for Communities will give some cause for optimism that clubs will soon be able to access this much needed and long awaited funding to improve facilities and safety," Mr Allen said.

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"I note that the new Minister, Deirdre Hargey – has expressed her determination to see the Casement Park project started 'at the earliest opportunity'.

"I also note that there has been a suggestion that a new consultation process may be required before the football funding cash can be released.  

"If the Minister is determined to press ahead with supporting Casement at the earliest opportunity, then the Minister should be also be doing her utmost to deliver the £36 million promised to clubs in the original Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer, at the earliest opportunity.  

"I therefore call on the Minister to urgently clarify what programmes within her Department require new consultations before funding can be released and in the process provide much needed clarity for those football clubs hoping to benefit from the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer, also without delay."

(CM/MH)