Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir announced £8.32 million in funding for 243 community buildings, halls and facilities across Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund provides the grants to organisations in every local council area. The Department for Communities supplied £4.32 million initially, matched by an extra £4 million from that department and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Minister Lyons established the fund last autumn. He stated that two departments collaborated to support facilities run by volunteers that serve local areas. Lyons noted these buildings function as central points in cities, towns, villages and rural regions.

Minister Muir said community facilities aid rural life through shared spaces for social links, wellbeing and local services. He cited strong demand from rural groups as the reason for his department's added funding.

Projects cover all council districts, including Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Mid Ulster District Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

In Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, 35 organisations received offers, such as Galloon Parish Trust Hall, Ballinamallard United Football Club and Aisling Centre.

Work starts from May 2026 if applicants accept grants and meet conditions. Lyons indicated high interest requires a recurring programme and his department prepares proposals based on this round's results.