Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited two successful grant recipients in County Antrim to see first-hand how an £8.32 million investment will transform ageing community buildings across Northern Ireland. The Minister toured the Mae Murray Foundation in Larne and the 1st Whitehead Scout Group on 30 April 2026, hearing how the funding will create safer, more accessible spaces for vulnerable groups and young people.
The visits come weeks after the Department for Communities announced that 243 community and voluntary organisations—including churches, sports clubs, and disability charities—will share the expanded Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF). The fund, originally launched as a £4.32 million pilot in late 2025, was doubled in April 2026 after exceptional demand from grassroots groups struggling with dilapidated facilities.
From Scout Halls to Disability Hubs: Real-World Impact
At the Mae Murray Foundation, which supports people of all ages and abilities to participate in inclusive activities, Chief Executive Kyleigh Lough explained how the capital grant will remove physical barriers for disabled visitors. Meanwhile, at the 107-year-old 1st Whitehead Scout Group, volunteers outlined urgent repairs needed to keep their “rickety” wooden hall weatherproof and safe for the 50+ young members now on their books.
Speaking after the visits, Minister Lyons emphasised that the investment extends beyond simple brick-and-mortar repairs. He said:
“It has been a real pleasure to visit the Mae Murray Foundation and the 1st Whitehead Scout Group and to see at first-hand the difference this funding will make. Speaking directly to staff and volunteers brings home just how important these buildings are in people’s everyday lives.
“Visits like today really bring home what this funding is about. These are not just bricks and mortar projects; they are about creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can come together, access support, learn new skills and build friendships.
“I was particularly struck by the commitment of the volunteers and the pride they have in what they offer their communities. Seeing the condition of some of these buildings and hearing the ambition and vision of these organisations shows just how transformational this level of investment can be.”
Kyleigh Lough, CEO of the Mae Murray Foundation, welcomed the Minister and highlighted the specific benefits for inclusive service delivery:
“We are incredibly grateful for this funding which will strengthen the building as a welcoming, inclusive hub for people of all abilities, enhancing how we deliver our services and broadening our reach across the community. Ultimately, this will allow us to expand our programmes, support more families, and continue to break down barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life.”
Andrea McClean, Group Lead Volunteer at 1st Whitehead Scout Group, whose hall dates back to 1916, described the grant as potentially organisation-saving:
“This investment will be transformational for 1st Whitehead Scout Group making our hall safe, weatherproof and fit for purpose, protecting the activities we provide every week for local young people. We are delighted to welcome the Minister to see first-hand the role Scouting plays in our community and the difference this funding will make for our young people, volunteers and the wider area.”
Fund Doubled to Meet “Exceptional Demand”
The NICIF was initially established as a £4.32 million pilot scheme, with Expressions of Interest opening in October 2025. However, after assessing the volume and quality of applications, the Department for Communities secured an additional £4 million joint contribution from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), bringing the total pot to £8.32 million.
Key details of the scheme include:
- Grant awards: Up to £40,000 per organisation for capital works
- Eligible works: Structural repairs, roof work, accessibility improvements (ramps, lifts), energy efficiency upgrades (boilers, insulation, solar panels), and refurbishment of kitchens and toilets
- Delivery window: Projects must be completed between May 2026 and 31 March 2027
- Geographic spread: Awards cover all 11 local council areas, from Belfast City Council (£958,320.91 total allocation) to rural councils like Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (£1,041,152.78)
- Administration: Delivered in partnership with Co-operation Ireland, the peace-building charity
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, whose department contributed £2 million to the expanded pot, previously noted that the additional funding recognised “very strong demand from rural groups” and the vital role community halls play in sustaining rural life.
Unanswered Questions and Future Uncertainty
While the 243 successful applicants can now proceed with contractors, the funding round highlights significant unmet need across the voluntary sector. The Department has confirmed it is “developing proposals for a longer-term programme,” but no commitment has been made to a recurring annual scheme, nor has the Department disclosed how many applications were rejected or what support exists for unsuccessful groups.
Furthermore, the 11-month delivery deadline—requiring all construction and refurbishment to be completed by March 2027—places pressure on volunteer-led organisations to manage complex building projects during a period of ongoing construction sector constraints.
Several questions remain for stakeholders to consider:
- With demand strong enough to justify doubling the budget, how many viable projects were turned away, and what alternative funding exists for them?
- Will the proposed “longer-term programme” operate as an annual rolling fund, or will community groups face another uncertain wait for future capital support?
- How will the Department measure the social impact of these building improvements beyond simple completion metrics?
- Given the energy efficiency component, will there be monitoring of carbon reduction or utility cost savings for community groups?
What Happens Next
Successful applicants must now formally accept their Letter of Offer and comply with grant conditions before work can commence. The Department for Communities has published a full list of provisional grant awards by council area, though it stresses that these remain subject to final checks and formal acceptance.
Organisations that missed this round must wait for the Department to announce details of any future programme. In the meantime, smaller rural groups may wish to explore the separate Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme administered by DAERA, though this is currently closed for 2025/26 applications.