Subject to appropriate approvals, the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund pilot scheme will provide around £4million of funding for community and voluntary organisations to enable them to keep the premises they use fit for purpose, supporting organisations to remain sustainable. The fund will launch in autumn 2025.
Speaking during a visit to the Open Door Centre in Carrickfergus, which is used as a community outreach base for Carrickfergus Community Church, the Minister said: “Community buildings are the backbone of our society. They host vital services, foster connection and provide safe, welcoming spaces for people of all ages. These spaces are vital assets – the beating heart of our cities, towns and villages – where communities gather, grow and support one another.
“Since taking office I have visited various community organisations across Northern Ireland and have witnessed how many of our halls and centres are ageing, inefficient and in urgent need of repair or modernisation. That is why I have taken the decision to create this fund, which is not only an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in people, in places, and in potential.”
The fund will be open to church halls, village halls, Orange halls, sports clubs and other community buildings which provide a wide range of community activities. It will allow voluntary and community groups across Northern Ireland to carry out essential works such as repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, disability access improvements and other minor capital works. Eligible projects may include repairs, heating upgrades, disability access improvements, and internal refurbishments.
The Minister concluded: “I want this fund to be a catalyst, not just for refurbishment, but for regeneration. Our community buildings have a profound impact on the people of Northern Ireland, and this fund will ensure that we can sustain these vital spaces and support our communities to have a place to connect, participate and grow.”
The Minister made the announcement in a Written Statement to the Assembly.
The full Written Statement can be read here: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/written-statement-minister-lyons-northern-ireland-assembly-announcement-northern-ireland-community-infrastructure-fund
The programme will launch with an expression of interest in autumn 2025. Further details on the application process and criteria will be available in due course.