Ireland
UK
Scotland
London
A £40 million programme to upgrade football stadiums across Northern Ireland has been shelved following the collapse of the NI Executive.
Communities Minister Deirdre confirmed she could not move forward with the funding package with the absence of the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has expressed his disappointment that the funding is under threat.
He added: "Football is uniting, inspiring and empowering children and adults of all backgrounds and abilities across our community, despite some of the most chronically underfunded facilities in these islands.
"It is 11 years, three DUP Ministers and two Sinn Féin Ministers since the £40m football stadia funding was announced.
"Think how many children and young people could have been positively impacted throughout this time.
"The failure of successive Ministers to release this investment is robbing the people of Northern Ireland of access to facilities that would empower development across our community.
"I urge the DUP to reflect on the impact of the First Minister resignation and Communities Minister Hargey to do everything in her power to find a way to be the Minister that releases this vital funding for the benefit of everyone in our community."
