Ballylone — June 3, 2026 — DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced a £2 million investment into the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF), strengthening support for rural and voluntary organisations across the region.
During a visit to the Ballylone Rural Development Association, which received £40,000 for building upgrades including improved accessibility and a new kitchen, Muir highlighted the importance of community facilities in sustaining rural life. “Community facilities play a vital role in sustaining rural life, providing shared spaces that support social connection, wellbeing and local services,” he said.
The NICIF, delivered by the Department for Communities (DfC) and supported by DAERA, provides capital grants of up to £40,000 to improve community buildings used for social, recreational, and educational purposes. Since its launch in September 2025, the fund has issued 243 Letters of Offer, with nearly 60% awarded to rural organisations, totalling £4.7 million in grants.
Minister Muir emphasized that the additional funding reflects his department’s commitment to rural communities, ensuring facilities are more accessible, resilient, and better equipped to serve local needs. “This £2 million contribution reflects my Department’s ongoing commitment to supporting rural communities, and I welcome the collaboration with the Department for Communities that is helping to deliver real, tangible improvements for people in rural areas,” he added.
The investment will continue to strengthen community hubs across Northern Ireland, helping local services thrive and ensuring rural dwellers have access to modern, inclusive spaces for years to come.
