DUP MP Gavin Robinson says it's time for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver on its funding package for sub-regional stadia.
Last month's collapse of the Executive prompted fresh concerns that the £36.2m financial plan could be delayed even further.
But in talks with the Irish FA and NI Football League, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey offered reassurance that the flagship project remains on track.
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Speaking at the opening of Tullycarnet's new boxing gym, East Belfast MP Mr Robinson told Belfast Live: "We see the impact of investment in sport. We see it here with a brilliant new boxing gym at Tullycarnet.
"That is what is achievable, and this is what should be achievable for Irish League football.
"The money hasn't gone away or changed. It was ring-fenced in 2015 as a flagship project. The sub regional funding is a flagship project of the Northern Ireland Executive.
"So progress continues, and I was pleased to see the Minister change her position and recognise that where there is a will there is a way.
"Now it is up to the Executive to sit down and make sure we do get political agreement. Even though the formal structures might not be meeting, there are mechanisms to get formal agreement so this doesn't drag on much longer in the way it has.
"There needs to be a focus on delivery."
Mr Robinson added: "Those mixed messages recently sent out a lot of confusion and frustration, and it was completely unnecessary.
"There are two schemes left from those flagship projects. There is the redevelopment of Casement Park, and there is the sub regional stadia fund. They are both flagship projects, there is no distinction between the two.
"Both will be delivered and the political institutions need to get on and deliver them, because there is no separation between the two.
"Football needs investment."
The initial process to fund the upgrade sub-regional stadia started over a decade ago, and in 2015 the sum of £36.2m was committed to the project.
Mr Robinson believes that figure has to be revisited due to inflation swelling the cost of any redevelopment works in 2022.
"This started in 2011, and then it was recommitted which made it a flagship project. The money wasn't spent back then but it was guaranteed," he added.
"There is a discussion to be had about increasing the pot for regional stadia. I believe that to be the case, because £36m today doesn't buy you what it would 10 years ago.
"That discussion needs to take place, and we need to advance this."
There has been fresh debate in recent weeks over how the funding should be allocated.
Part of the original £36m package promised by the Northern Ireland Executive included £10m for Glentoran to redevelop their Oval home.
In the summer chairman Stephen Henderson said he was eager to see the ground upgraded and revamped into a Category 3 stadium.
That would allow the Glens to host future group games or playoff ties in European competition.
There has been some criticism of the East Belfast club potentially receiving such a large chunk of the funding, but Mr Robinson says the redevelopment of the Oval would not solely be to the benefit of Glentoran FC.
"The first strand which deals with the redevelopment of the Oval gets unfairly described as £10m for Glentoran," he said.
"It is for the provision of a second stadium so we can attract big competitions and that we have another stadium alongside Windsor Park for national football, and for big tournaments.
"I believe it is right that there is investment in a second stadium, but as far as the original package is concerned I think it has to be lifted with inflation."
He added: "We have Windsor Park but all the rest are living in the shadows.
"We are seeing football clubs spending more on players and investing more on players. You see clubs going full-time in the Premiership and the standard is increasing.
"You are also seeing more opportunities in Europe and other tournaments.
"We have the product, and the spectators are there. The support is as strong as ever.
"Now the government needs to respond and support it."
Read more: Football chiefs meet with Communities Minister over stadium funding
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