14 May 2026
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has launched a scathing attack on the Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister and Sinn Féin representatives over the handling of the Strabane Athletic FC development.
He accused them of incompetence, delay and completely failing the people of Strabane.
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said:
“For years, the people behind Strabane Athletic FC have poured their hearts, time and money into this transformational project. They have shown ambition, vision and determination to deliver something truly special for Strabane and for future generations.
"What have they got in return from the Sinn Féin Minister? Delay. Silence. Excuses. Endless dithering. The Sinn Féin Minister had the power to approve this project. Instead, through incompetence and indecision, Sinn Féin have placed the entire development in serious jeopardy.
"Now we are being told the land has been bought from under the club by the Education Authority. That did not happen overnight. Of course we all want to see SEN provision expanded in this area, but serious questions still need answered around this process. How long have Sinn Féin known this was happening? Why was this club kept in the dark? Why were the people behind Strabane Athletic FC not informed while they continued investing time, money and hope into this project?
"This is becoming a familiar story under Sinn Féin. All talk. No action. The same chaos, delay and dysfunction people are witnessing with the A5 is now being repeated with Strabane Athletic FC. Local people are fed up of being treated like second class citizens while opportunities for this town are continually stalled, delayed or lost altogether.
"The people behind this club invested heavily because they believed in Strabane. Sinn Féin’s handling of this project sends a message that this town is simply not a priority to them.
"Strabane Athletic deserved leadership and delivery. Instead they got incompetence and delay from a Sinn Féin Minister incapable of making decisions. People in this town will not forget it.”