Mid-Ulster community groups benefit from Infrastructure Fund

Gordon Lyons has visited four Mid-Ulster organisations that have received support from the Community Infrastructure Fund. | Department of Communities

placeholder image — Gordon Lyons has visited four Mid-Ulster organisations that have received support from the Community Infrastructure Fund. | Department of Communities

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited a number of Mid-Ulster organisations that have benefitted from the support of the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited four organisations in Mid-Ulster that have received support through the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund.

During the visits, the Minister met representatives from Curragh Rising Sons of Joshua LOL 855, Maghera Presbyterian Church, Rainey Rugby Football Club and First Cookstown Presbyterian Church.

Each organisation has received funding to improve facilities used by its local community.

The four organisations are among 44 in the Mid-Ulster District Council area to receive funding through the programme.

Minister Lyons visits Curragh Rising Sons of Joshua LOL 855 | Department for Communities

Speaking during the visits, Minister Lyons said: “Seeing these projects first-hand highlights the value of investing in community infrastructure and the important role these facilities play in supporting local people and strengthening communities.

“This investment is about more than buildings. It is about helping communities provide safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can come together, access support and take part in activities that matter to them.”

Minister Lyons meets with representatives from Rainey Rugby Football Club to view
ongoing work facilitated by the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund. — Minister Lyons meets with representatives from Rainey Rugby Football Club to view ongoing work facilitated by the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund. | Department of Communities

Curragh Rising Sons of Joshua LOL 855 has received funding to replace flooring at Curragh Orange Hall, which is used for a range of community activities.

Maghera Presbyterian Church is improving its kitchen, storage and toilet facilities. The work will improve accessibility and energy efficiency and increase the building’s capacity for community use.

Rainey Rugby Football Club has secured funding to modernise its toilet facilities, including the provision of accessible facilities. This will improve the building for members and the wider community.

First Cookstown Presbyterian Church is undertaking essential repairs to its roofing and drainage systems. The work will protect and improve facilities used by the congregation and local community groups.

Minister Lyons visits First Cookstown Presbyterian Church to hear how funding from the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund has improved facilities for the local community. | Department of Communities

Minister Lyons continued: “The level of demand for the Community Infrastructure Fund shows how many organisations are seeking support to maintain and improve the facilities their communities rely on.

“My Department is drawing on the experience of the current programme as it develops proposals for a future recurring scheme. I look forward to announcing further details in due course.”