Lyons praises community projects as funding impact highlighted in Ballymena

Angela, John and Jim, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with (L-R) Angela Mulholland, West Bann Development, Jim McIlroy, Harryville Men’s Shed and John Hunter, Community Sports Network, Shankill at a!ln event in Ballymena.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the “anything but small” impact of community investment across Northern Ireland during a visit to Ballymena, where local organisations shared how government funding is helping transform services, create jobs and strengthen communities.

Speaking at a community event at the Ecos Centre, the Minister met representatives from projects supported through the Department for Communities’ Neighbourhood Renewal programme, which invests more than £20 million annually in initiatives in some of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas.

Over the past year alone, 77 community projects have been supported through the Small Capital Investment Programme, backed by £1.18 million in funding.

Investment delivering jobs and volunteering opportunities

The programme is designed to strengthen community organisations by helping cover essential capital costs — from building repairs to new equipment — enabling groups to maintain and expand their services.

In 2024/25, the programme helped:

• More than 1,500 people secure employment through training and employability initiatives

• Over 5,500 adults volunteer within their communities

Addressing attendees in Ballymena, Minister Lyons said the funding plays a critical role in sustaining community services.

He said:

“These projects may be described as ‘small capital,’ but their impact is anything but small. Investment in small capital costs keeps services running and allows groups to adapt, expand, or innovate.

“Whether it’s roof repairs, upgraded IT equipment, a kitchen refurbishment, or essential accessibility improvements – these are not minor details – they are the practical enablers of meaningful community impact.”

He added that the continued funding reflects a long-term commitment to empowering communities.

“My Department’s ongoing investment in Neighbourhood Renewal reflects a long-term commitment, one that is not only financial but deeply rooted in our belief in the power of communities to shape their own futures.”

Local organisations share impact

Representatives from community organisations attending the Ballymena event spoke about how the funding has supported their work and strengthened services.

Angela Mulholland from West Bann Development said the support had helped maintain a welcoming and safe environment for people accessing services.

“This funding has ensured that as a service provider to the local community, we were able to continue to offer a first-class service and providing people with a safe secure environment to learn, play and create.”

Jim McIlroy of Harryville Men’s Shed highlighted the social value of the organisation for men across Ballymena.

“Men’s Shed provides a vital role within the community offering a safe, welcoming space where men can connect, learn, and support one another. This investment has played a vital role in helping to maintain and strengthen the services we provide to men across the Ballymena community.”

Theresa Brady from Ionad na Fuiseoige said the funding fills a crucial gap for grassroots organisations.

“Small capital funding meets a real need in the community – relatively small amounts of money required that can make a huge difference to the local area.”

John Hunter from Community Sports Network, Shankill also emphasised the long-term value of the investment.

“Relatively small investments can deliver significant, long-term impact. This funding has created lasting benefits, improving safety, expanding opportunities, and allowing us to meet a broader range of community needs.”

Supporting communities to shape their futures

Neighbourhood Renewal funding continues to play a key role in supporting grassroots organisations, helping community groups maintain facilities, improve accessibility and expand programmes that benefit residents across Northern Ireland.

The Ballymena event provided an opportunity for the Minister to hear directly from organisations delivering those projects on the ground and to highlight the wider social and economic impact of community investment.

At a glance

• Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Ballymena to highlight the impact of Neighbourhood Renewal funding.

• The Department for Communities invests over £20 million each year in the programme.

• 77 community projects received £1.18 million in Small Capital Investment funding in the past year.

• In 2024/25, the programme helped 1,500 people secure employment and enabled 5,500 adults to volunteer.

• Local organisations including West Bann Development and Harryville Men’s Shed shared how funding supports their services.

• Funding helps cover essential improvements such as building repairs, equipment upgrades and accessibility works.

• Community leaders say even relatively small investments can create long-term benefits for local area.

• The programme focuses on supporting organisations in Northern Ireland’s most deprived communities.