Sports minister Edwin Poots said enough funding had been secured to implement the strategy as planned.

The public consultation period on the draft plan ends in mid-January.

Mr Poots has urged all stakeholders and interested parties to make their views heard before the closing date.

"The funding allocation to sport within the draft budget period will help to ensure that a start can be made on implementing the 10-year sports strategy," he said.

"Under the draft budget it is proposed that core funding, including capital, for sport should rise by £23m (€31.6m) in 2008/09, over £29m (€39.87m) in 2009/10 and £42m (€57.75m) in 2010/11.

"However, full implementation of the strategy also depends on the willingness and ability of all stakeholders to contribute to its delivery."

The multimillion strategy focuses on three main aims: to develop elite athletes; to increase participation in sport in all sections of society; and improve facilities across the North.

"The announcement of the draft sports strategy in October has presented Northern Ireland with a significant opportunity to ensure sport is placed on a clear and sound footing for the future," said the minister.

"Many of our sporting facilities require development and modernisation and we are facing major challenges such as low participation rates.

"In addition, Northern Ireland has a declining record of achievement in major competition. For example, the last Olympic medal won by a Northern Ireland athlete was in 1992.

"The Northern Ireland team at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 won the lowest number of medals since 1962, despite the best efforts of our Commonwealth Team.

"Clearly, we cannot allow this situation to continue. We need a new, long-term vision for sport in Northern Ireland which will enable it to be developed on a sounder basis and deliver all the benefits that are potentially available."

The draft consultation is available on the DCAL website - www.dcalni.gov.uk and the closing date for responses is January 9.