Independent MLA Claire Sugden has expressed her frustration that a £40m programme designed to improve Irish League grounds is currently in cold storage.
The sub regional stadia fund for soccer was rubber stamped last year but won’t be rolled out until an Executive is in place.
The delay was confirmed by Deirdre Hargey, Minister for Communities, in a response to a recent written assembly question raised by Ms Sugden.
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It was stated by the minister that, following legal advice, Executive approval is required for the updated proposals for local grounds.
Ms Sugden described the news as a “serious blow to all those clubs that have been waiting years for this money.. to modernise and upgrade their stadia.”
She added: “This programme goes beyond the simple bricks and mortar of the improvements. Football clubs across the country have deep and important community links, and it is these communities that will also be let down by this news.
“Coleraine (football club) in particular have impressive plans for their ground. In order to support grassroots football and the next generation of footballers, we have to show commitment and provide investment.
“The plan is ready to go, but the absence of an Executive is undermining all the good work that has gone into it.”
Ms Sugden claimed the Assembly should look at progressing parts of the sub regional stadia programme that pre-date the more recent updates to the plan.
She said: “It is my understanding from the Minister’s response that it is the updated parts of the plan that need Executive approval. If some of the parts already agreed by the previous Executive could be initiated then we should be doing this.
“I would urge the Minister to explore whatever options there are in this respect, provided they may be done legally and in the context of the current political situation.”
The original £36m sub regional figure, dating back to 2011, was to be divided into five areas, including £10m for the redevelopment of Glentoran’s Oval stadium.
A second strand of £17m was to be made available to other Premiership clubs, with further monies going to other areas of the game, including £3m towards a national training centre.
Powersharing in Northern Ireland is currently in limbo after the DUP blocked the formation of a devolved executive following May's election in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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