Northern Irish sports and culture minister Nelson McCausland has revealed details of a new £2.5m funding boost for sport in the region.

To be targeted at grass roots, the funding awards will aim to help under-represented groups, clubs and organisations that have not previously received funding from Sport NI.

The funding has been provided by the Northern Ireland Executive under Sport Northern Ireland's Capital and Equipment Programme.

Announcing the package today, McCausland said: "Sport Northern Ireland's Capital and Equipment programme will provide important financial assistance to organisations such as voluntary sports clubs, community associations, governing bodies and charities.

"The programme will help to improve the provision of sporting facilities for under-represented groups and increase participation in sport and physical recreation right across the community.

The maximum grant award under the programme, which is now closed for application, was £30,000 and DCAL through Sport NI intend to provide funding to over 130 clubs and organisations with projects due to be completed before the end of this financial year.