Development Trusts NI

15/09/2026

Lough Neagh is in environmental crisis and the law must be strong enough to protect it.

DTNI has joined organisations working around the Lough in calling for the £50,000 cap proposed in Stormont’s forthcoming Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill to be scrapped.

Years of pollution, worsening water quality and recurring blue-green algae blooms have shown why meaningful penalties are needed. Serious polluters must be held accountable, and our rivers, lakes and drinking-water sources must be protected for future generations.

Fnd the petition: https://www.dtni.org.uk/lough-neagh-pollution-penalties/

Liz Kimmins MLA Andrew Muir MLA

Years of pollution, deteriorating water quality and recurring blue-green algae blooms have pushed Lough Neagh into an environmental crisis. Now, as Stormont

15/09/2026

Lough Neagh needs more than a change of owner. It needs a future that shares power, protects its ecology and gives communities a meaningful voice. cc Andrew Muir MLA Liz Kimmins MLA

DTNI does not oppose public ownership—but community ownership must be fairly assessed before options are narrowed.

We’re calling for an independently facilitated citizens’ assembly to examine ownership, governance, ecological protection and the rights of nature, helping to establish an agreed way forward for Lough Neagh.

A people’s commons deserves consideration now—and citizens must help decide how that future is secured.

Read the full article: https://www.dtni.org.uk/lough-neagh-community-ownership/

By Development Trusts NI CEO, Charlie Fisher. 09 September 2026

07/09/2026

📢 Community asset opportunity in Enniskillen

The Department for Infrastructure is inviting expressions of interest in land at Carran Mews, Enniskillen.

The opportunity is currently open to community, voluntary, charitable and social enterprise organisations. Private businesses and individuals are not eligible at this stage.

📅 Expressions of interest close on 23 September 2026.

Find the full details and enquiry form here:
https://www.dtni.org.uk/cat_listings/d1-2508-26-land-at-carran-mews-enniskillen-fermanagh-bt78-3ej/

Expressions of interest in disposal asset listings are only open to community, voluntary, charity, and social enterprise organisations at this stage. 

02/09/2026

The DTNI delegation attending the DTA Scotland conference in Glasgow & networking with DTA Wales. Thanks to National Lottery Community Fund UK Community Connectors programme investment and for the inspirational learning from the development trusts we met with.

01/09/2026

Compass Advocacy Network is getting ready to welcome the first guests to its new Lislagan Cottages near Ballymoney.

Iris’ Cottage, Hayley’s Nook and Moody’s Barn have been developed from the original farmhouse, stables and barn at Lislagan Farm. The cottages offer accessible countryside breaks, while income from bookings will support CAN’s work with people with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity and mental health needs.

Find out more about the cottages, the people behind their names and CAN’s longer-term vision for Lislagan Farm:

Compass Advocacy Network (CAN) is preparing to welcome the first guests to its new Lislagan Cottages from the beginning of September.

27/08/2026

🛹 Have your say on the future of Portrush’s Metropole site

Skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter users and members of West Bay Rollers are invited to help shape proposals for a future urban-sports and community facility. Causeway Association of Urban Sports - CAUS

📍 Portrush Town Hall
📅 Wednesday 2 September
🕔 5pm–7pm

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has appointed specialist skatepark designer Betongpark AS to lead the feasibility work. This session gives the people who could use the facility an early opportunity to share their experience, priorities and ideas.

A wider public consultation will follow later in September.

Find out more and please share with anyone who should be involved:

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has appointed specialist skatepark designer Betongpark to undertake a feasibility project for the site. Following an

21/08/2026

We’re recruiting: HR Management Apprentice

Development Trusts NI is offering an opportunity to begin a career in HR while gaining practical experience and studying towards Ulster University’s BSc (Hons) Human Resource Management Degree Apprenticeship.

The role offers:
• A starting salary of £28,000
• Four days of practical work and one protected study day each week
• University tuition fees paid
• Broad experience across HR, membership, CRM, projects, events and organisational development

No previous HR experience is required. We’re looking for someone organised, curious, interested in people and ready to learn.

Based in Belfast. Applications close Tuesday 1 September 2026.

https://www.dtni.org.uk/join-dtni-as-an-hr-management-apprentice/

Four days helping a purpose-led organisation work effectively and grow. One protected study day each week. A starting salary of £28,000—and a BSc (Hons)

19/08/2026

Two Community Asset Transfer opportunities are currently open for expressions of interest in Belfast and Fermanagh:

• Land at 98–152 Forthriver Road, Belfast — deadline 4 September
• 6 Tirwinny Road, Lack, Fermanagh — deadline 8 September

Community Asset Transfer gives organisations an opportunity to explore how publicly owned land and buildings could be brought into productive community use, creating new opportunities and a sustainable future for local assets.

We’ve brought the details of both opportunities together, along with a short explanation of the EOI process and a way to receive future DTNI updates.

Find out more: https://www.dtni.org.uk/two-community-asset-transfer-opportunities-currently-open/

Two Community Asset Transfer (CAT) opportunities are currently open for expressions of interest in Belfast and Fermanagh.

11/08/2026

Community ownership should be central to the delivery of Northern Ireland’s £27.4 million Local Growth Fund.

DTNI welcomes the announcement and its potential to support inclusive regional growth. We now need clarity about how communities and social enterprises can participate—and how the fund will help communities acquire, regenerate and sustainably manage the buildings and land that matter locally.

As Margaret Craig, DTNI’s Head of Operations and Development, says:

“Community-led businesses are rooted in place and trusted by local people. They can reach those furthest from the labour market, create accessible pathways into skills and employment, and play a vital role in tackling economic inactivity.”

Read our response:https://www.dtni.org.uk/community-ownership-must-be-central-to-local-growth-fund-delivery/

The allocation of £27.4 million from the Local Growth Fund has been announced, with funding directed towards projects intended to support regional growth

07/08/2026

Crewe United ⚽ and Loch Mór Dál gCais are working together on a shared soccer, hurling and community hub near Glenavy.

Development Trusts NI supported the clubs in establishing Ballypitmave Community Development Trust, which subsequently secured £300,000 from the Community Ownership Fund and purchased land adjoining Crewe United’s existing grounds.

It’s a powerful example of what can happen when organisations begin with a shared community need rather than what divides them.

(There still isn’t a hurling or camogie emoji— so please imagine one.)

https://www.dtni.org.uk/sporting-cooperation-in-glenavy-shows-community-ownership-in-action-2/

Sport can be a powerful way of bringing people together. Near Glenavy, two clubs from different sporting traditions are taking that cooperation