Funding awarded to groups in Newry, Mourne and Down to improve their buildings

This comes as the first 10 grants have been awarded in Newry, Mourne and Down. In the Mourne area Kilkeel Development Association and Schomberg Society Kilkeel have received funding.

Newry-based groups Altnaveigh House Trust, Newry Orange District Lodge No.9, St John Bosco Regional Youth Centre, Clonduff Youth Club, and Silverbridge Harps Community Resource Centre have been awarded funding.

St Oliver Plunkett Youth Club in Crossmaglen, The Brain Injury Foundation in Camlough and Burren Community Association in Warrenpoint have also been awarded funding.

These groups are saving between £1,000 and £7,000 per year through improvements such as solar panels, cavity wall insulation, and replacing draughty windows and doors.

Sophie Annet, Centre Manager from Kilkeel Development Association said: “The Nautilus Centre is a hive of activity providing vital support to the local community in the heart of the town centre. It is also home to many other groups such as Women’s Aid and the Recovery College, who improve wellbeing, as well as promoting our local heritage and cultural links associated with the fishing industry.

“Our location in a sea-side town has a detrimental impact on the building which in turn means more costs in repairs and energy bills. This grant will make a massive long-term difference to us, through savings of over £7000 each year, that’s at least £140,000 over the next 20, meaning we can keep rents lower, are more secure long-term and can further invest in our community.

“We plan to share our learning on sustainability with other groups both local and regionally through our networks. Thank you National Lottery for making it possible.”

The Sustainable Community Buildings programme is reopening from Wed 12 March to Wed 23 April 2025. It provides professional advice, training and support, alongside capital grants of up to £50,000 for building improvements.

There will no longer be restrictions on groups applying due to organisational income, building age or if they have already carried out previous environmental improvements.