Northern Ireland Finance Minister John O’Dowd has announced £27.4 million in capital funding from the Local Growth Fund to boost regional economic growth, support businesses and start-ups, regenerate communities, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen transport connectivity. The funding package for 2026-27 is designed to deliver investment across Northern Ireland, with the largest allocation going towards innovation, entrepreneurship and business development. The Department for the Economy will receive £13.292 million to support innovation, start-ups, business development and social enterprises. Capital funding for 2026-27, together with capital and resource funding for 2027-28 and 2028-29, will be delivered through an Investment Plan led by the Northern Ireland Office. The latest Local Growth Fund allocation is expected to support economic development across Northern Ireland by combining investment in business growth, community regeneration, agriculture, skills, infrastructure and regional connectivity.