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  • Lyons launches PRONI’s five-year strategy

    Topics:
    • Museums and libraries

    Date published: 17 June 2026

    Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland’s (PRONI) five‑year strategy for 2026-2031, ’Building our future by preserving our past’.

    Two men wearing suits stand beside a banner which reads 'PRONI: Protecting and providing archives for NI'
    Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Director of PRONI David Huddleston pictured at the launch of PRONI’s five-year strategy

    The Strategy sets out a clear and forward‑looking vision to strengthen PRONI’s role as a dynamic, citizen‑focused archive. It commits to broadening public access to Northern Ireland’s rich archival heritage while ensuring its continued relevance in an increasingly digital society.

    Launching the Strategy, the Minister said: 

    “PRONI, as the national archive for Northern Ireland, is one of our most important cultural institutions. It safeguards the records that tell the story of our people, our communities and our place.

    “Bringing forward this ambitious strategy sets PRONI on a confident course for the future, building on strong foundations while embracing innovation and new opportunities to engage with wider audiences. As Keeper of the Records, I am very pleased to launch the new strategy.”

    Over the course of the next five years, PRONI will accelerate its programme of digital transformation, enhance access to its collections, support key redress schemes and expand both its cultural impact and international reach.

    The Minister added: 

    “By investing in digital capability and improving access, PRONI will bring our shared history to life for more people than ever before, ensuring that our past continues to inform, and inspire, future generations. One of the latest examples of improving access is the new PRONI website - I encourage everyone to visit and see what you can find.”

    Check out PRONI online at: https://www.proni.gov.uk.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Director of PRONI David Huddleston pictured at the launch of PRONI’s five-year strategy.
    2. For media enquiries please contact the Press Office via press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.
    3. Follow the Department on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
    4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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