Historic churches to benefit from additional £200,000 repair funding
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced an additional £200,000 to support essential repairs to historic church buildings across Northern Ireland.
The funding, which covers the 2026/27 financial year, will be administered by the National Churches Trust.
It follows a previous £200,000 allocation for 2025/26.
Historic churches funding announced in Belfast
The announcement was made during a visit to Bloomfield Presbyterian Church in Belfast.
The Minister inspected restoration work carried out following a £55,000 grant from his Department.
The project included repairs to the structure of a large arched stained-glass window.
Minister Lyons acknowledged the financial pressures facing historic churches, particularly following the end of the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship VAT reclaim scheme in March.
He highlighted the importance of church buildings to local communities, tourism and Northern Ireland’s architectural heritage.
Applications open for church repair grants
National Churches Trust Chief Executive Claire Walker welcomed the additional investment.
She said the funding would help places of worship undertake urgent repairs, protect historic buildings and remain open to serve their communities.
Applications are currently open through the National Churches Trust.
The Department for Communities is also consulting on a new historic environment policy for Northern Ireland, with responses accepted until 23 October 2026.
External link: National Churches Trust – Grant Application
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