O’Dowd announces £23.31 million in Local Growth Funding
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced £23.31 million in Resource funding from the Local Growth Fund over the next two years for 2027/28 – 2028-29.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced £23.31 million in Resource funding from the Local Growth Fund over the next two years for 2027/28 – 2028-29.
The funding includes £19.52 million for the Department for Communities to deliver an Economic Inclusion programme and a further £3.79 million for the Department for the Economy to support business growth and innovation.
Building on the £27.4 million capital allocation from the Local Growth Fund in August 2026, this announcement highlights ongoing progress in delivering targeted investment across Executive priority areas. The Minister also confirmed work is progressing to allocate a further £57.77 million, primarily capital funding, from the Local Growth Fund to Departments for the same period.
Speaking after the Assembly announcement, Minister O’Dowd said: “This investment will provide certainty for delivery partners as they plan and implement programmes over the coming years.
“Most importantly, this funding will support interventions that will make a real difference to people, families, businesses and workers here. It will help create opportunities for those seeking to enter or return to employment, while also supporting innovation, productivity and business growth.
"Alongside the capital investments already announced, this funding demonstrates the Executive commitment to ensuring that the Local Growth Fund delivers tangible economic and social benefits, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable economy.”
Notes to editors:
1. A copy of the Minister’s statement is available at Minister of Finance Written Ministerial Statement - Local Growth Funds 2027-28 and 2028-29 Funding
2. This allocation is in addition to the £11.8 million of Resource funding being delivered by MHCLG in 2026/27
3. Capital funding for 2026/27, and both Capital and Resource funding in 2027/28 and 2028/29, are delivered under an Investment Plan led by NIO.
4. The Local Growth Fund is a Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government Fund. Details can be found here [Local Growth Fund (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) - GOV.UK]
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