Councillor Stephen Nicholl, the Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has welcomed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) consultation on a new strategy for sport.
Councillor Nicholl said:
“At a time when both Sport NI and DCAL seem in disarray, this consultation is important in refocusing our attention on active participation at all sporting levels. Many of the issues raised are relevant to local Government given our responsibilities for leisure facilities and sports pitches. In many areas, under investment in leisure centres and the lack of provision of pitches limits public access. This has a negative impact on the health of our communities and in such instances, investment will be required to bring facilities up to a standard and quantity that meets the needs of the community.
“Local Councils in Northern Ireland should take a lead in responding to this consultation and copying their responses to Sport NI, who after investing heavily in spectator facilities recently, need to refocus their attention and finance on grass roots participation.
“By using their new responsibilities for community planning and improving well-being to build partnerships with health, sporting and educational authorities, an opportunity exists for Councils to make a real difference in the health of our communities.
“The consultation on a new strategy for sport is an excellent opportunity for the United Kingdom as a whole to up its game.”