Launch of the North East Region Rural Development Programme.

05/05/2009

Friday 1st May saw the official launch of the North East Region Rural Development Programme. This was attended by the DARD Minister Michelle Gildernew and 100 other participants in the stunning surroundings of the Braid Centre, Ballymena 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 and 3.2 Business Creation and Development are open from May 1st. 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 will also go live soon 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. Minister Michelle Gildernew commented "Best results are always achieved when people work together...ensuringthat good projectsare funded to diversify the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas" Alderman James Alexander of the NER Joint Committee stated “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”. Footnote for Editors 1. The allocation to the North East Region (Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle Council areas) was £13,181,300. 2. This component of the RDP contains the following measures: o Diversification into non-agricultural activities o Business creation and development o Encouragement of tourism activities o Basic services for the economy and rural population o Village renewal and development o Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage 3. The Minister had asked local councils to come together in clusters to deliver the Axis 3 ‘quality of life’ measures of the new Programme on a sub-regional basis, and seven clusters were formed. 4. The North East Region is based in the Ecos Centre, Kernohan’s Lane, Broughshane Rd, Ballymena BT43 7QA. Contact details are - Tel 028 2563 8263 - Fax 028 2563 8984 - E-mail northeast.rdp@ballymena.gov .uk - Web www.northeastrdp.com (site will go live soon - please keep checking this website for updates).

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