Minister Ritchie unveils £3million modernisation boost for communities

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today announced the first grants from a new ‘modernisation’ fund to help the voluntary and community sector modernise their services.

The first 37 projects approved will receive approximately £3million in assistance from a £15million programme. The Modernisation Fund provides for:–

• modernisation of community buildings;
• new equipment and technology; and
• improved services and training.

Speaking on a visit to Dunsford National School in Chapeltown outside Ardglass, one of the first projects to be supported, the Minister said: “What I want to see is the most modern buildings, the most modern equipment and technology and the latest ideas to make community based initiatives more effective. This is about providing support to community groups, enabling them to deliver better services to people all over Northern Ireland.

“Here at Dunsford people are coming together and showing, that with a little bit of support they can breathe new life into an old derelict building. Turning an old abandoned facility into a new hub of activity for the community.”

Over the next few months it is expected that over 70 projects will receive grant assistance totalling £15million.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Modernisation Fund is a £15million Capital programme which aims to support voluntary and community organisations to modernise, enabling them to become more sustainable and deliver new and better services in an era of change.

2. The Modernisation Fund is managed by the Voluntary and Community Unit (VCU) in the Department for Social Development. The Modernisation Fund Community Partnership (MFCP) delivers the Fund on behalf of VCU. The MFCP comprises three organisations:- Co-operation Ireland, Community Evaluation Northern Ireland (CENI), and Community Places (previously Community Technical Aid).

3. The programme has been broken down into three themes, based on grant award;

Theme 1 - £9million – Pilot infrastructure Scheme (£300k-£1.5 m);

Theme 2 - £3million - Community Facilities Improvement Scheme (£100k - £300k);

Theme 3 - £3million – Small Capital Grants (£20k - £100k).

4. 70+ projects are expected to be offered support through the Modernisation Fund Capital Programme and the projects which have received offers to date can be viewed at: www.dsdni.gov.uk/mfprojects.htm

5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.