What Happened at the January Community Development Committee Meeting
Key updates locals will want to know about
The Community Development Committee met at Mossley Mill on Monday evening, 12 January, with a packed agenda covering funding decisions, community events, culture, facilities and support programmes across the borough.
Here are the main points that are likely to affect people living locally.
Continued funding for Lough Neagh projects
The Council approved £24,200 in funding for the Lough Neagh Partnership for the 2026/27 year.
This money supports ongoing work around the lough, including:
Promotion of local attractions such as River Bann tours, Antrim Castle Gardens and artisan food markets in Toome
Environmental work at places like Farr’s Bay, Rea’s Wood and Ram’s Island
Support for farmers taking part in environmental schemes
Ongoing work with landowners, government departments and environmental agencies
The funding comes with reporting requirements, so progress will continue to be monitored.
Memorial quilt exhibition approved for Mossley Mill
An exhibition of nine memorial quilts created by the South East Fermanagh Foundation will take place at Mossley Mill in July 2026.
The quilts commemorate victims of The Troubles, including children, civilians and people from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and further afield. The exhibition will be free to attend and open during normal hours.
Council officers confirmed it will be promoted through official communication channels.
Free theatre use for Jordanstown School
Jordanstown School has been granted free use of the Theatre at the Mill in June 2026 for rehearsals and performances of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The performances will use British Sign Language throughout and will be open to the wider community at no cost. While the Council will lose some hire income, members agreed the educational and community value justified the decision.
Public holiday closures agreed
The schedule of public holiday closures for council-run arts, culture and community facilities for 2026/27 was approved.
This affects community centres, theatres and visitor attractions. Full details will be shared by the Council in due course.
Library activities move during refurbishment
Rathcoole Library will temporarily move some of its regular social activities to the Dunanney Centre in February while refurbishment work takes place.
The training room will be provided free of charge so regular library users can continue meeting without disruption.
Small community grants awarded
One local group will receive just under £1,000 through the Community Development Small Grants Programme.
The scheme remains open on a rolling basis, with applications reported quarterly.
Support for good relations projects
A £2,000 Good Relations grant was approved for a local project, with the overall Good Relations Programme budget for 2025/26 now standing at £171,262.50 following additional funding from The Executive Office.
No extra money is required from the Council to match this increase.
PSNI award nomination
The Council’s Community Development Team has been shortlisted for the PSNI Problem Solving Awards for work on a Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community Toolkit.
Members approved attendance at the awards ceremony in Belfast in February.
New Communications Strategy signed off
The Council approved its Communications Strategy covering 2026 to 2030.
This will guide how the Council communicates with residents, community groups and stakeholders over the next few years, with an emphasis on engagement and visibility.
Ulster-Scots Leid Week update
Members received an update on Ulster-Scots Leid Week 2025, which delivered 10 events across the borough and engaged nearly 200 people, including school pupils.
Extra funding from the Ulster-Scots Agency helped expand the programme.
What this means for residents
This meeting focused heavily on practical community support rather than major policy change. The decisions made will affect:
Events and exhibitions people can attend for free
Access to council buildings and facilities
Continued environmental and tourism work around Lough Neagh
Funding availability for small community groups
Cultural and educational activity across the borough
If you rely on council facilities, attend local events or are involved in a community group, several of these decisions will show up in everyday life over the next year.
Source: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council