Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir have confirmed an £8.32 million investment to improve 243 facilities across Northern Ireland. The funding, delivered through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund, is aimed at modernising the halls and buildings that serve as essential hubs for local communities.

The initiative was initially established by Minister Lyons with a £4.32 million allocation from the Department for Communities (DfC). This has now been bolstered by a further £4 million provided jointly by DfC and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), allowing the fund to reach groups in every local council area. Minister Lyons stated: "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. 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. In my role as Communities Minister, I've seen first-hand how vital community buildings and local halls are as the beating heart of our cities, towns and villages and I understand the need for long term investment. Indeed, that is what prompted me to establish this fund. This significant investment will make a real difference in helping sustain these vital services and further nurture the social connections they provide, and I look forward to seeing it deliver for our communities right across Northern Ireland."

Minister Muir highlighted the importance of the fund for rural districts: "Community facilities play a vital role in sustaining rural life, providing shared spaces that support social connection, wellbeing, and local services. 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."

Following the acceptance of grants and compliance with necessary conditions, project delivery is expected to commence in May 2026. Due to the high level of interest in the scheme, Minister Lyons concluded by confirming that his Department is currently developing proposals for a future recurring programme based on the learning gathered from this initial rollout.