More Rural Development Funding On Offer In County Down

14 April 2010

A new round of funding for rural development projects has opened in County Down.

In the third call for applications for monies to help improve the quality of life in rural communities, the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) is inviting local people to submit project proposals in two themes – Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities and Business Creation and Development.

The funding is part of the £13.5M which is being invested in rural development projects across the Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down Council areas in the next four years and represents another significant opportunity for enterprising individuals living or working in rural communities, according to David Kerr, Chair of the DRAP Local Action Group.

“These themes have a clear focus on improving and enhancing the rural economies of all four areas and sometimes the knowledge that there is financial support available through a programme like this, can be all the encouragement an enterprising individual or company needs to put ideas into action,” said Mr Kerr. “I would encourage anyone with a project to explore the options open to them and apply for funding which can strengthen the rural economy and create much-needed employment”.

To apply for rural development funding you must live in a rural location in one of the four Council areas – rural is defined as a settlement with a population of 4,500 or less - or if you live in an urban setting, you must be able to demonstrate that your project will principally benefit a rural area. Farmers, private businesses and social economy enterprises, as well as individuals over the age of 18, can all take advantage of these funding opportunities.

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

Applications can be made online until Wednesday 12th May 2010 at 4pm through the EU Grants website www.eugrants.org. To obtain a hardcopy application and to discuss a project, contact the Down Rural Area Partnership offices at Ards Business Centre, Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Tel: 028 9182 0748 or log onto www.downruralareapartnership.com for more details.

-ends-

Note to Editor

For further information contact Ursula Mezza, Ards Borough Council, Tel: 028 9182 4021.

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