DCAL Foyle Cup intervention not ‘appropriate’

Options were discussed but the conclusion of the meeting was that it would not be appropriate or necessary for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) to intervene.

Fears for the success of the North West football competition was originally sparked after two assessors rejected a application for a tourist board grant after separately scoring it poorly across ten key criteria.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster said the Foyle Cup application in February failed to make the grade and that any applications raising concern were marked again to ensure fairness. A separate application by the organisers of the Milk Cup was also rejected.

But two weeks ago the Tourism Minister announced a one-off funding package for this year’s Milk and Foyle Cup tournaments following a decision of the NI Executive.

Now it has been revealed the decision followed discussions with the Sports Minister which concluded funding from DCAL would not have been appropriate or necessary.

SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan asked the Sports Minister whether her Department had been contacted in the last twelve months by DETINI regarding funding for the Foyle Cup and the Milk Cup.

The Sports Minister replied: “DETINI and the NI Tourist Board sought a meeting last month with officials from my Department and Sport NI to discuss the funding position of the Foyle Cup and Milk Cup. Options were discussed. However, the conclusion of the meeting was that it would not be appropriate or necessary for DCAL to intervene.”

Two weeks ago the Tourism Minister identified funds within her budget that could be made available for both events this year in recognition of their broad economic and social impact.

The Minister added: “Public funds cannot be permanently guaranteed for particular events. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board will work with the organisers to help them develop a marketing strategy for future years and maximise private sector support.”