AQW 44092/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 16/04/2026
Answered On Date: 01/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding streams available, through the Heritage Division, to support community associations (i) to recruit, train and support volunteers; (ii) to provide staff to open and operate heritage sites, such as Kirkistown Castle in Cloughey; and (iii) to enable public access to heritage sites that are currently closed.

Answer:

There are no Historic Environment Division funding streams to support community associations in the recruitment, training and support of volunteers. However, my Department remains committed to constructive engagement with local communities to support appropriate access to, and enjoyment of, our shared heritage wherever circumstances allow.

My officials within the Historic Environment Division work closely with community groups involved at several State Care Monuments. These arrangements range from simple key-holding duties to a more structured site presence and visitor engagement. With such arrangements, my officials provide sitespecific guidance, briefings and advice to enable volunteers to deliver a welcoming, safe and accurate visitor experience. This includes training relating to site history and interpretation, health and safety considerations, and appropriate visitor management.

The suitability of such arrangements are assessed on a sitebysite basis, taking account of factors such as the condition of the monument, public safety considerations and conservation requirements. My officials are keen to explore opportunities with local communities to improve public access to State Care Monuments, such as Kirkistown Castle, which are currently closed, where this can be achieved safely and sustainably.

Any community associations interested in discussing potential involvement with State Care Monuments are encouraged to contact the Historic Environment Division at SCMenquiries@communitiesni.gov.uk.