Lyons Launches Fund for Refurbishment of Community Facilities
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF), which will deliver minor capital works to buildings, halls and facilities used by community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland.
The £4.32million Fund, which will open for Expressions of Interest on 1 October 2025, provides grants of up to £40,000 for over 100 individual projects, enabling voluntary and community groups to carry out essential minor works to their community buildings, allowing them to remain safe, functional and fit for purpose.
Launching the scheme at the Pomeroy Forest Building in County Tyrone, Minister Lyons said:
“The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund is designed for the everyday facilities that sustain local life – the halls, centres, and buildings that rarely make headlines, but which make an enormous difference.
“In my role as Communities Minister, I’ve seen first-hand how vital those buildings are. Community buildings and local halls are the beating heart of our cities, towns and villages. These spaces are vital assets - they act as beacons of support, connection, and resilience, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. However, in too many cases, they are no longer fit for purpose and that is not good enough.”
The Minister continued:
“I have acted with urgency and ambition in establishing this Fund, which will disperse £4.3m to our grassroot and local communities. My vision is not just about bricks and mortar – it is about people, places and potential. It is about making sure that communities – rural and urban, large and small – have safe, welcoming and sustainable places. We are not just investing in buildings; we are investing in our communities. I want to thank all those in the voluntary and community sector for the vital role they play in sustaining and supporting our communities. Through this Fund we can ensure that the spaces which bring people together are strengthened for the future.”
Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of NICVA said:
"This Fund could not come at a better time. Voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland are under immense pressure, with rising demand for services and increasing costs. The Community Infrastructure Fund will make a real difference – helping organisations repair and modernise their buildings, freeing them to focus on their mission rather than maintenance. Investing in these vital spaces is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about sustaining connection, participation and thriving communities right across Northern Ireland."
Kate Clifford, Director of Rural Community Network added:
“We warmly welcome this investment as a positive step forward for rural communities. We are delighted to see rural halls and faith communities being included alongside urban centres, recognising the vital role they play as hubs of connection, support, and activity in local life. We are also pleased that the Department not only engaged in meaningful consultation with the sector but that there is clear evidence they acted on our guidance and incorporated our recommendations into the design of this scheme. This partnership approach ensures the funding will have a real and lasting impact across rural Northern Ireland.”
Jane Gribben, Community Engagement Manager of Volunteer Now, said: “Volunteer Now welcomes the launch of the Department for Communities’ Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, and to deliver meaningful services and opportunities, it is vital that community buildings are fit for purpose and offer inclusive, welcoming spaces for all. This fund provides a valuable opportunity to ensure that centres become vibrant hubs where volunteers can make a real impact, share their skills, and inspire others to get involved.”
Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust added:
“Fantastic to see the new Capital fund for Community venues launched by Minister Lyons. It’s very timely and will make a real effective contribution not only to improving over 100 facilities but also to ensuring these community venues are increasingly accessible, warm, energy efficient and up to date in terms of equipment and technology.”
Information and details of how to apply for the fund can be found at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-community-infrastructure-fund
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption 1 : Pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund at the Pomeroy Forest Building are (l-r) Kate Clifford, Director, Rural Community Network; Jane Gribbin, Community Engagement Manager Volunteer Now; Paul Boylan, Director of Programmes and Strategic Development, Co-operation Ireland; Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Celine McStravick, CEO, NICVA; Paul McNaught, Director of Regional Development, Department for Communities; Lauri McCusker, Director, Fermanagh Trust
- Photo caption 2: Minister Lyons delivers his keynote speech at the launch of the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund
- The NICIF will be administered by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with the Department for Communities.
- The first stage of the application process for the NICIF is an Expression of Interest which will open on 1 October 2025 and close on 29 October 2025. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to submit a Stage 2 full application. Successful applicants will be advised before end of March 2026.
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