Communities Minister has hailed the transformative
impact the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund will
have on community and voluntary organisations across Northern
Ireland.
The Minister visited the Mae Murray Foundation in Larne and 1st
Whitehead Scout Group following their successful grant awards
from the £8.32million Fund, to hear how the investment will
improve their buildings, strengthen services and benefit local
communities.
The two organisations are among 243 groups, including churches,
sports clubs and community organisations across all local council
areas, which are set to benefit.
Following the visits, Minister Lyons said: “It has been a real
pleasure to visit the Mae Murray Foundation and the 1st Whitehead
Scout Group and to see at first-hand the difference this funding
will make. Speaking directly to staff and volunteers brings home
just how important these buildings are in people's everyday
lives.
“Visits like today really bring home what this funding is about.
These are not just bricks and mortar projects; they are about
creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can
come together, access support, learn new skills and build
friendships.
“I was particularly struck by the commitment of the volunteers
and the pride they have in what they offer their communities.
Seeing the condition of some of these buildings and hearing the
ambition and vision of these organisations shows just how
transformational this level of investment can be.”
Kyleigh Lough, CEO, Mae Murray Foundation, added: “We are
incredibly grateful for this funding which will strengthen the
building as a welcoming, inclusive hub for people of all
abilities, enhancing how we deliver our services and broadening
our reach across the community. Ultimately, this will allow us to
expand our programmes, support more families, and continue to
break down barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to
participate fully in community life.”
Mrs Andrea McClean, Group Lead Volunteer, 1st Whitehead Scout
Group, said: “This investment will be transformational for 1st
Whitehead Scout Group making our hall safe, weatherproof and fit
for purpose, protecting the activities we provide every week for
local young people. We are delighted to welcome the Minister to
see first-hand the role Scouting plays in our community and the
difference this funding will make for our young people,
volunteers and the wider area.”
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- 243 community and voluntary organisations have been awarded
grants from the £8.32million Fund, which comprises £6.32million
from the Department for Communities (DfC), alongside a £2million
contribution from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and
Rural Affairs (DAERA).
- 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. All works will need to be completed
by 31 March 2027.
- A full list of successful applicant organisations to the
NICIF (subject to final checks) can be read here: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/nicif-stage2-application-outcomes.
- Applications were assessed in line with published criteria,
with Co‑operation Ireland undertaking the application and
assessment process on behalf of the Department for Communities.
