Minister Muir welcomes Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund investment in community organisations

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has highlighted the benefits of investment in community facilities during visits to three rural organisations awarded funding through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund.

The Fund, delivered by the Department for Communities (DfC) and supported by DAERA, provides capital grants to help voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland to improve existing community buildings, through small-scale refurbishments, accessibility improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Minister Muir met volunteers at Glenavy Youth Project, Crumlin United Football and Social Club and Randalstown Arches Association to see how the funding impacts positively on local rural communities.

Glenavy Youth Project was awarded £20,200 to continue supporting young people aged five to 24 through educational, recreational and wellbeing activities.

Crumlin United Football and Social Club was awarded £14,200 to support the club's wider community activities, including charitable work, awareness programmes and initiatives promoting social inclusion.

Randalstown Arches Association was awarded £40,000 for improvements at Arches House, where activities include delivery of educational, recreational and community development activities for Randalstown and the surrounding rural area.

Minister Muir commented: My Department's £2million contribution to the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund is helping these rural voluntary and community organisations to maintain or improve their buildings to address locally identified need.

I was pleased to visit Glenavy Youth Project, Crumlin United Football and Social Club and Randalstown Arches Association and hear from each about their work and how this funding will support them.

Minister Muir added: The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund directly supports my Department's vision of supporting thriving rural communities by strengthening community capacity, improving access to local facilities and opportunities, and supporting sustainable, community-led development.

Minister Muir concluded: The collaboration between my Department and the Department for Communities has extended the reach of the Fund and enabled more community organisations across Northern Ireland to benefit. I am working closely with Minister Lyons to examine how we can extend that collaboration in the future.

Notes to editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF) is a Department for Communities fund, launched in September 2025.
2. The Fund provides small capital grants of up to £40,000 to help community and voluntary organisations improve community buildings used for social, recreational and educational purposes.
3. DAERA is providing £2million to fund additional projects in rural areas of Northern Ireland.
4. Glenavy Youth Project has been awarded £20,200 for improvements including roof and guttering repairs, the refurbishment of two bathrooms, including a fully accessible toilet, and an upgrade to its CCTV system.
5. Crumlin United Football and Social Club has been awarded £14,200 to replace radiators and install solar panels. The improvements will increase the energy efficiency of its premises.
6. Randalstown Arches Association has been awarded £40,000 for upgrades to heating, fire safety and security systems, and replacement flooring in community spaces.