Fibrus donates nearly £60K to local groups to tackle digital exclusion

Moyola Angling Association will set up a laptop loan scheme. Pictured [L-R] : Philip Maguire, Andrew Rainey, John McCombe, Tommy McGrath.

Local broadband provider Fibrus has awarded £57,805 to 32 community groups across Northern Ireland through the 2025 Fibrus Community Fund, aimed at combating digital poverty and improving access to online services.

The funding initiative, delivered in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, supports projects focused on bridging the digital divide in local and rural areas.

Since the fund’s inception in 2021, more than £230,000 has been distributed to over 130 community groups across the region.

This year’s beneficiaries include a diverse mix of organisations such as Sixtowns Cross Community Group, Newtownstewart Community Forum, and Bannagh Community Project. Among them is Moyola Angling Association, based in Mid Ulster, which has received £2,000 to help its members access digital tools and training.

John McCombe, Honorary Treasurer of Moyola Angling Association, highlighted how transformative the funding will be for their members:

“Lots of our older members don’t have access to a computer or internet at home, so the ability to buy three new laptops, with the support of Fibrus, will make a huge difference to our club members.

“We plan to set up a community laptop loan scheme to help address this with members being able to use the laptop at home or at the club to go online, take part in Zoom meetings or renew their fishing license.

“This will really help to build connections within the club and allow those availing of the scheme to stay connected in a much wider sense.”

Fibrus says its goal is to help eliminate digital exclusion and ensure that everyone, regardless of background or location, can access essential online services.

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, commented:

“Fostering digital inclusion continues to be a priority for Fibrus, and we believe everyone should have access to essential digital services here in Northern Ireland and beyond.

“This year, we were blown away by the number applications for The Fibrus Community Fund from so many outstanding local organisations dedicated to helping their communities. We are so proud to support their efforts and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to fuel their development.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, which helps deliver the programme, echoed the importance of the scheme.

Orla Black, Director of Grants and Fund Development, said:

“The partnership with the Community Foundation and Fibrus continues to have a real and meaningful impact on the ground. More and more communities and local organisations are getting connected whether it is in terms of access to the internet, mobile devices, laptops or tablets.

“This latest round of funding once again has reached so many people and we are looking forward to hearing their stories of how this fund has enabled change.”

Fibrus continues to roll out full-fibre broadband across rural and underserved areas in Northern Ireland and parts of England. The company states that its community investment strategy is an essential part of its mission to make digital access fairer and more inclusive.