Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has introduced a new five-year strategy for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), titled 'Building our future by preserving our past', which will run from 2026 through to 2031.

The newly launched strategy outlines a forward-looking roadmap designed to reinforce PRONI's position as an active, citizen-focused archive. The framework pledges to expand public interaction with the rich archival history of Northern Ireland, while safeguarding its ongoing relevance within a modern, digital society.

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, Minister Lyons stated: "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."

Throughout the next five years, PRONI intends to expedite its ongoing digital transformation initiatives, improve general access to its historical collections, offer support to critical historical redress schemes, and broaden its international presence and cultural influence.

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: www.proni.gov.uk