ALT Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Deirdre Steele, Head of Maple and May, have hailed Affordable Rent as a pioneering initiative that will help hard pressed people and families by delivering high-quality homes at an affordable rent for lower-income households

ALT DfC River Notice graphic featuring a background of Belfast’s River Lagan, with white text on a purple rectangle that reads: “River Notice. Wednesday 17 June 2026. Notice is hereby given that Queens University Belfast have been given approval to hold a Concrete Canoe Race event from 1630hrs to 1900hrs on 17/06/2026. The event will take place between QUB Boat Club and Bryson Cutters Wharf. River users are asked to exercise due caution around the event and give the participants a wide berth where possible. The River Warden’s boat will be on duty to ensure that river users comply with the River Lagan Tidal Navigation and General Bye-Laws (NI) 2007 applicable to this Notice.”

ALT Purple DfC graphic containing a white DfC logo and an image of Minister Lyons, with Belfast City Hall in the background. There’s white text that reads: “The Charities (Amendment) Bill. First Stage. Minister Lyons has introduced the Charities (Amendment) Bill, which will amend the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.” There’s a white circle around “First Stage”, to show the current stage of the Bill.

ALT Purple DfC graphic with white text that reads, “Latest News.”

ALT DfC River Notice graphic featuring a background of Belfast’s River Lagan, with white text on a purple rectangle that reads: “River Notice. Saturday 13 June 2026. Notice is hereby given that Belfast Rowing Club have been given approval to hold a Belfast Sprint Regatta event from 0900hrs to 1700hrs on 13/06/2026. The event will take place between Governors Bridge and Belfast Rowing Club. River users are asked to exercise due caution around the event and give the participants a wide berth where possible. The River Warden's boat will be on duty to ensure that river users comply with the River Lagan Tidal Navigation and General Bye-Laws (NI) 2007 applicable to this Notice.”

ALT Text: As Executive Ministers, we collectively and unequivocally condemn the disorder, violence and intimidation we witnessed in our communities last night. Events on the streets here caused significant harm to communities, spread fear and risked innocent lives. No community benefits from these actions. The incident in north Belfast on Monday was deeply shocking. While we understand the strength of feeling about what happened, it is now subject to legal proceedings, and justice must be allowed to run its course. Image: Northern Ireland Executive logo. 1/4 in bottom right corner

ALT Text: Everyone has the right to protest peacefully. What we witnessed last night went far beyond that. Sadly, there are those intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect. They are weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes. Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur. There can be no justification for attacking homes, burning family cars, damaging businesses, and damaging our public transport and our roads. It furthers no cause and benefits no one. Image: NI Executive logo Text: 2/4

ALT Text: The eyes of the world are watching us this week and the actions we take, as individuals and as a society, will shape how we are viewed and how our communities move forward. Our thoughts are with all those who have been directly affected by the violence and disorder of recent days. We also commend the professionalism, bravery and dedication of our police and emergency services in responding to the disorder last night to protect the public and keep people safe. Our minority ethnic communities are a valued part of our society, many of whom are vital to our health and public services and our economy. Image: NI Executive logo Text: 3/4

ALT Text: As an Executive, we remain united in our commitment to building a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all. We also continue to appeal for calm and urge everyone to reject violence, reject division and allow the rule of law to prevail. Image: NI Executive logo Text: 4/4

ALT Purple DfC graphic with an image of Minister Lyons in his office, a white DfC logo, a white megaphone graphic and white text that reads, “Your voice is needed. You have less than two weeks to share your views and experiences in relation to the effectiveness of the current liquor licensing arrangements in supporting market diversity and innovation.”

ALT A purple DfC graphic featuring the Warm Healthy Homes logo, Department for Communities logo, a white document graphic, an image of Minister Lyons and stakeholders and white text that reads, "Easy Read Available. The easy read version of the Department’s public consultation on the proposed Warm Healthy Homes Fund is now available."

ALT Minister Lyons listening at the King's Trust 50th Anniversary celebrations.

ALT A group photo with Minister Lyons and King's Trust volunteers at the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

ALT A group photo with Minister Lyons and King's Trust staff at the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

ALT A group photo with Minister Lyons and volunteers at the Workable Big Lunch event.

ALT A group photo with Minister Lyons and volunteers at the Workable Big Lunch event.

ALT Minister Lyons shaking hands.

ALT Minister Lyons and Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP met staff working on the Veterans Support Line NI.

ALT A DfC graphic with a stock image of a person at a laptop, with the white DfC logo and white text that reads, “Appointment of Members to the Board of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL) Competition Completed applications must be returned to DfC Public Appointments no later than 12 noon (GMT) on Monday 29 June 2026.”

ALT Group photo featuring Minister Lyons and volunteers at Volunteer Now’s Volunteers’ Week at Ulster University, Belfast.

ALT Group photo featuring Minister Lyons and volunteers at Volunteer Now’s Volunteers’ Week at Ulster University, Belfast.

ALT Minister Lyons and Denise Hayward holding a Volunteers’ Week sign at Volunteer Now’s Volunteers’ Week at Ulster University, Belfast.

ALT Minister Lyons presenting a bouquet of flowers to Wenda Gray, a Volunteer Now staff member, in recognition of her retirement following 17 years of service.