£8.32m funding boost to upgrade 243 community facilities across Northern Ireland

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir announce £8.32m to transform 243 community facilities across Northern Ireland.

A major £8.32 million funding package has been confirmed to upgrade 243 community buildings across Northern Ireland, with projects set to begin rolling out from May 2026 following overwhelming demand from local groups.

The investment, delivered through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund, will support the refurbishment and improvement of halls, centres and facilities used by community and voluntary organisations in every council area.

Funding boosted amid strong demand

The funding allocation has nearly doubled from its original £4.32 million commitment by the Department for Communities, following an additional £4 million contribution jointly provided by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department for Communities.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the scale of interest in the scheme demonstrated both the need for investment and the central role community facilities play across Northern Ireland.

“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,” he said.

“I am pleased that we are in a position, with support from my Executive colleague Minister Andrew Muir 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.”

Projects to begin from May 2026

Subject to grant acceptance and compliance with conditions, successful organisations will begin delivering projects from May 2026, bringing improvements directly into communities across the region.

The programme will fund a wide range of upgrades, including repairs, small-scale refurbishments, accessibility improvements, and energy efficiency works designed to modernise facilities and extend their long-term sustainability.

The funding will enable organisations to enhance buildings that often act as hubs for social interaction, local services, and community-led activity.

Supporting rural and urban communities alike

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the additional funding was a direct response to strong demand from rural organisations and reflects the importance of shared community spaces.

“Community facilities play a vital role in sustaining rural life, providing shared spaces that support social connection, wellbeing, and local services,” he said.

“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.”

Long-term investment plans under consideration

The scale of applications has also prompted consideration of a longer-term approach to funding.

Minister Lyons confirmed that work is already underway to explore a recurring version of the scheme, using insights from the current programme to shape future investment.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

How the fund will be delivered

The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund builds on the wider Northern Ireland Community Investment Fund (NICIF), which provides capital grant funding to support the refurbishment and improvement of existing community buildings.

In total, NICIF funding comprises £6.32 million from the Department for Communities and £2 million from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Applications were assessed against published criteria, with Co-operation Ireland supporting the Department for Communities in administering and evaluating submissions.

The funding is expected to deliver tangible improvements across towns, villages and rural areas, helping to sustain facilities that underpin community life and provide essential services across Northern Ireland.

At a glance

• £8.32 million allocated to upgrade 243 community facilities across Northern Ireland

• Funding nearly doubled from original £4.32 million allocation

• Additional £4 million provided jointly by DAERA and DfC

• Projects include repairs, refurbishments, accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades

• Work expected to begin from May 2026, subject to grant acceptance

• Facilities span every local council area across Northern Ireland

• Strong demand has triggered plans for a future recurring funding scheme

• Programme delivered with support from Co-operation Ireland