Ms McIlveen said she felt that there were “many streams that community and voluntary groups, particularly in her own constituency, are not applying for or, perhaps, have not become aware”.

“There are schemes available to many organisations that are not being utilised,” she continued.

“Schemes such as Integrating Communities are designed to facilitate community organisations to co-operate on a cross border and/or cross community basis to work on issues of common interest. It is open to both rural and urban groups.

“I would also urge local Strangford constituency groups to apply for grants under the Awards For All scheme.

“It awards grants of between £500 and £10,000 for people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, and projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community.”

Applications can be made to: Awards for All, 1 Cromac Quay, Cromac Wood, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JD.