Twenty Northern Ireland Football Clubs Advance in £36.2m Stadium Fund Assessment

Twenty football clubs in Northern Ireland have progressed to the next stage of assessment for a share of a £36.2 million fund aimed at stadium improvements, announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. The funding, initially announced in 2011, has faced significant delays, with 38 clubs applying and total project costs far exceeding the available budget at an estimated £98 million. Cliftonville and Glentoran are the only two clubs in the highest funding tier, having applied for over £6 million each, while 13 clubs are in the mid-tier (£1.5 million to £6 million) and five clubs in the lowest tier (under £1.5 million). Although the announcement marks progress, Lyons emphasized that this is not a guarantee of funding, as detailed business case development and rigorous due diligence are still required. He expressed commitment to seeking further fair and equitable funding to meet the evident demand and need at club level, acknowledging that many clubs will be disappointed but the process is ongoing. The fund is open to clubs from various Northern Ireland football leagues, including the Irish Premiership, Championship, Premier Intermediate League, Women's Premiership, and the League of Ireland club Derry City, which has faced criticism for exclusion.