Communities Minister has announced £200,000 in
funding towards the long‑term sustainability of Northern
Ireland's historic church buildings.
The funding will be administered by the National Churches Trust
(NCT) to help address a range of urgent structural and fabric
repairs at four church buildings.
Minister Lyons said: “Since 2018 my Department has
supported the National Churches Trust via the Historic
Environment Fund and through Covid recovery funding. The work of
the NCT has been vital for places of worship in Northern Ireland,
ensuring that these important buildings are cared for long into
the future.
“I am pleased to be able to announce further support of
£200,000 from my Department for this year's grant
programme.”
The churches that will receive support are: Mount Merrion Parish
Church (CoI), Belfast; Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Belfast;
Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey; and Seymour Street
Methodist Church, Lisburn.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust,
said: “We are deeply grateful to the Department and Minister not
only for this funding, but for their continued partnership and
support over the past eight years, which has made a real and
lasting difference to places of worship and the communities they
serve.
“These grants will fund essential works to safeguard four
historic buildings, helping to keep these churches open, safe and
welcoming. Each project reflects the dedication of local
congregations and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for
these important spaces.
“The National Churches Trust remains committed to supporting
churches across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to
continuing this work through our Medium and Large Grants
programmes, helping even more places of worship to thrive at the
heart of their communities.”
Further information on these grant schemes and on other sources
of heritage funding is available at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/historic-environment/historic-environment-funding-grants
Further information on the National Churches Trust's work in
Northern Ireland including events and advice on maintenance is
available at https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support-northern-ireland.
Notes to editors:
- The Historic Environment Fund was set up in 2016 following a
public consultation. It has been renewed on an annual basis each
year since, except in 2020 during the Covid pandemic.
- Funding amounts are: Mount Merrion Parish Church (CoI),
Belfast, Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Belfast – £55,000,
Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey – £55,000 and
Seymour Street Methodist Church, Lisburn – £35,000.
