Communities Minister and Agriculture, Environment
and Rural Affairs Minister have announced £8.32million
for 243 buildings, halls and facilities used by community and
voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland.
The support will be delivered through the Northern Ireland
Community Infrastructure Fund, announced by Minister Lyons last
autumn.
The original funding allocation of £4.32million from the
Department for Communities (DfC) has been boosted by an
additional £4million contribution jointly by the Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and DfC.
Making the announcement, Minister Lyons said: “The Northern
Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund is an excellent example of
two Departments working together to deliver for people in
Northern Ireland and will support the vital facilities that are
the lifeblood of communities across Northern Ireland.
“I am pleased that we are in a position, with support from my
Executive colleague Minister to issue offers to so many
organisations across every local council area. These groups,
often run by volunteers, bind their local areas together and
deliver real, long-lasting benefits.
“In my role as Communities Minister, I've seen first-hand how
vital community buildings and local halls are as the beating
heart of our cities, towns and villages and I understand the need
for long term investment. Indeed, that is what prompted me to
establish this fund.
“This significant investment will make a real difference in
helping sustain these vital services and further nurture the
social connections they provide, and I look forward to seeing it
deliver for our communities right across Northern Ireland.”
Minister Muir said: “Community facilities play a vital role in
sustaining rural life, providing shared spaces that support
social connection, wellbeing, and local services. I am therefore
pleased to support additional funding for the current Northern
Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund in recognition of the very
strong demand from rural groups.
“This contribution reflects my Department's ongoing commitment to
supporting rural communities. I welcome the collaborative working
between Departments to deliver this programme and bring tangible
benefits to rural communities across Northern Ireland.”
Subject to grant acceptance and compliance with grant conditions,
successful applicants will begin project delivery from May 2026,
enabling communities to benefit from improved and modernised
facilities.
Concluding, Minister Lyons said: “It is clear from the
exceptionally high level of interest in this scheme that the NI
Community Infrastructure Fund must operate as a longer-term
programme. My Department is developing proposals for a future
recurring scheme, drawing on the evidence and learning gathered
from the current programme and I look forward to announcing this
in due course.”
Notes to editors:
- A full list of successful applicant organisations to the
NICIF is available here
- The Northern Ireland Community Investment Fund (NICIF)
provides capital grant funding for the refurbishment and
improvement of existing community buildings. The NICIF will
support essential works to help organisations to improve their
community buildings through the completion of repairs, small
scale refurbishments, accessibility improvements, and energy
efficiency upgrades.
- Funding for NICIF comprises £6.32million from the Department
for Communities and £2million from the Department of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs.
- Applications were assessed in line with published criteria,
with Co‑operation Ireland supporting the Department for
Communities in the administration and assessment process.
