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11/09/2013
Sports Minister 'Hasn't Signed Off Windsor Funds'
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has confirmed that she has not signed off on funding for the redevelopment of Windsor Park.
When questioned on the issue, Minister Ní Chuilín told the Assembly at Stormont that there were concerns over accountability.
She also acknowledged the "latest row over governance and appointments" within the Irish Football Association (IFA).
The controversy centres on the appointment of David Martin as vice president of the IFA, despite being forced to resign from the same post three years ago. He had had subsequently failed a suitability test for senior office. Earlier this year, the IFA dropped the requirement for suitability assessments for senior officials.
Ms Ní Chuilín explained: "Neither DCAL, nor I or anybody else should be involved in, or be in the middle of, any democratic election process.
"This is where the 'however' comes in: any organisation that is in receipt of funding from government has an appropriate responsibility to ensure that governance is upheld.
"I need to be assured that the appropriate governance and accountability structures have been maintained to fully meet the needs of DCAL.
"Until that happens, I can't sign off on any agreement."
Windsor Park, the home of the Northern Ireland international squad, is in need of redevelopment to increase the capacity of the ground and to improve facilities.
It was one of three building projects chosen to receive a share of a £110m fund from DCAL.
The projects were Ulster Rugby's ground at Ravenhill, the GAA's Casement Park and Windsor Park, with the latter to receive £25m.
(JP/CD)
When questioned on the issue, Minister Ní Chuilín told the Assembly at Stormont that there were concerns over accountability.
She also acknowledged the "latest row over governance and appointments" within the Irish Football Association (IFA).
The controversy centres on the appointment of David Martin as vice president of the IFA, despite being forced to resign from the same post three years ago. He had had subsequently failed a suitability test for senior office. Earlier this year, the IFA dropped the requirement for suitability assessments for senior officials.
Ms Ní Chuilín explained: "Neither DCAL, nor I or anybody else should be involved in, or be in the middle of, any democratic election process.
"This is where the 'however' comes in: any organisation that is in receipt of funding from government has an appropriate responsibility to ensure that governance is upheld.
"I need to be assured that the appropriate governance and accountability structures have been maintained to fully meet the needs of DCAL.
"Until that happens, I can't sign off on any agreement."
Windsor Park, the home of the Northern Ireland international squad, is in need of redevelopment to increase the capacity of the ground and to improve facilities.
It was one of three building projects chosen to receive a share of a £110m fund from DCAL.
The projects were Ulster Rugby's ground at Ravenhill, the GAA's Casement Park and Windsor Park, with the latter to receive £25m.
(JP/CD)
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IFA To Withhold Information About Windsor Park
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has announced it will not disclose information in relation to the collapse of a stand at Windsor Park in south Belfast. Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said he finds it "incomprehensive" the IFA would withhold such information.
30 September 2010
Sports Minister Aims For £110m 'Goal'
Funding that has been earmarked for a massive sports stadia rebuilding scheme may not be released yet, as it has emerged there are still ongoing problems at the Irish Football Association (IFA) to be resolved.
Sports Minister Aims For £110m 'Goal'
Funding that has been earmarked for a massive sports stadia rebuilding scheme may not be released yet, as it has emerged there are still ongoing problems at the Irish Football Association (IFA) to be resolved.
20 February 2013
Windsor Park Project Approved
The redevelopment of Windsor Park has been approved by Environment Minister Alex Attwood. The Irish Football Association will now be able to build an 18,000 capacity stadium and two new stands to the south and east of the Northern Ireland team's home ground. The north and west stands will also be extended and refurbished.
Windsor Park Project Approved
The redevelopment of Windsor Park has been approved by Environment Minister Alex Attwood. The Irish Football Association will now be able to build an 18,000 capacity stadium and two new stands to the south and east of the Northern Ireland team's home ground. The north and west stands will also be extended and refurbished.
09 September 2009
Windsor Scheme Gets IFA Support
Plans to invest in Belfast's Windsor Park have been backed by the Irish Football Association. The IFA said it "agreed in principle" with redevelopment proposals for the stadium, which comes just months after the government officially axed plans for a national sporting complex.
Windsor Scheme Gets IFA Support
Plans to invest in Belfast's Windsor Park have been backed by the Irish Football Association. The IFA said it "agreed in principle" with redevelopment proposals for the stadium, which comes just months after the government officially axed plans for a national sporting complex.
19 July 2007
Windsor Park dispute continues
Linfield Football Club (LFC) are seeking legal advice following recent concerns shown by the Irish Football Association (IFA) over the safety and condition of Windsor Park, home to both Linfield and Northern Ireland. A statement was released this week by LFC in response to a letter from the IFA that purported to terminate their existing contract.
Windsor Park dispute continues
Linfield Football Club (LFC) are seeking legal advice following recent concerns shown by the Irish Football Association (IFA) over the safety and condition of Windsor Park, home to both Linfield and Northern Ireland. A statement was released this week by LFC in response to a letter from the IFA that purported to terminate their existing contract.
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