Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced £200,000 in funding towards the long‑term sustainability of Northern Ireland’s historic church buildings.
The funding will be administered by the National Churches Trust (NCT) to help address a range of urgent structural and fabric repairs at four church buildings.
Minister Lyons said: “Since 2018 my Department has supported the National Churches Trust via the Historic Environment Fund and through Covid recovery funding. The work of the NCT has been vital for places of worship in Northern Ireland, ensuring that these important buildings are cared for long into the future.
“I am pleased to be able to announce further support of £200,000 from my Department for this year’s grant programme.”
The churches that will receive support are: Mount Merrion Parish Church (CoI), Belfast; Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Belfast; Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey; and Seymour Street Methodist Church, Lisburn.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Department and Minister not only for this funding, but for their continued partnership and support over the past eight years, which has made a real and lasting difference to places of worship and the communities they serve.
“These grants will fund essential works to safeguard four historic buildings, helping to keep these churches open, safe and welcoming. Each project reflects the dedication of local congregations and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for these important spaces.
“The National Churches Trust remains committed to supporting churches across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to continuing this work through our Medium and Large Grants programmes, helping even more places of worship to thrive at the heart of their communities.”
Further information on these grant schemes and on other sources of heritage funding is available at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/topics/historic-environment/historic-environment-funding-grants
Further information on the National Churches Trust’s work in Northern Ireland including events and advice on maintenance is available at https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support-northern-ireland.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 