Friday 1st May sees the official launch of the North East Region Rural Development Programme. This funding is targeted at the rural areas within the Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle Districts. This is a significant investment in the rural areas of the North East and one that we hope will reap dividends in the next few years. This funding, which is announced today, is for a total of £13,181,300 Million over the next 5 years.
The funds and support offered by the Rural Development Programme to our rural areas are vital to ensure the social and economic viability of our countryside.
These are particularly difficult times for everyone in our area, with constant talk of recession, job cuts and the credit crunch. This programme offers local farmers, businesses, community groups and rural dwellers an opportunity to invest in their future
There are whole ranges of funding programmes available targeting farmers, rural businesses, tourism providers, community and village groups, and environment and heritage sectors.
The first 2 programmes
- 3.1 Farm Diversification
- 3.2 Business Creation and Development
are being opened today. They will remain open until the 19th June. There is at least £5m available in grant aid in these 2 measures alone.
A dedicated website (www.northeastrdp.com) is also being launched shortly which will give up to date information on all aspects of the programme.
The other measures, which are targeted at the Tourism, Community, Environment and Heritage sectors, will open in late August and September.
The Northeast Region Staff have now moved to new offices in the Ecos Centre in Ballymena.
This funding is available to a whole range of businesses, organisations and individuals and NER would encourage them to contact the programme staff with ideas and proposals to find out if they are eligible.
"I feel it is important to see local councils taking a lead in delivering local services and investment. We have the democratic structures, local delivery and local contacts to ensure the North East region receives maximum benefit from the programme".
The Local Action Group Chair Patsy Bradley also commented
"I am delighted to be here as Chair of the North East Local Action Group and as one of the social partners at the launch of this vital programme for our area. Our challenge now is to provide the maximum impact from the funding".
Contact Details
- Tel: 028 2563 8263
- Fax: 028 2563 8984
- E-mail: northeast.rdp@ballymena.gov.uk
- Web: www.northeastrdp.com |
