Beyond NI - More Rural Development Funding On Offer In County Down

More Rural Development Funding On Offer In County Down

13 Dec 2011

In the latest 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 across the Ards, North Down, Banbridge and Down areas to submit project proposals under two of its six themes – diversification into non-agriculture activity and business creation and development.

Both themes aim to encourage the growth and expansion of new and existing businesses that will create employment and contribute to the rural economy. Grants of up to £50,000 are available for capital projects, while a maximum of £5,000 is on offer for other forms of support, from feasibility studies to marketing activities.

Public information evenings are being held for anyone interested in finding out more about the rural development programme and who would like an opportunity to meet programme staff. They take place on:

• Tuesday 3 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Ards Business Centre, Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards
• Wednesday 4 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Banbridge Enterprise Centre, Scarva Road Industrial Estate, Banbridge
• Thursday 5 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Down Business Centre, Belfast Road, Downpatrick
• Friday 6 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Signal Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor.

Nearly £4M has already been committed to over 80 projects across the four council areas since the rural development programme began in 2009, with grants ranging from a few hundred pounds to several hundred thousand, all with the aim of improving the quality of life in rural communities.

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 20 January 2012 at 4pm, on the EU Grants website www.eugrants.org or hard copy application forms can be obtained by contacting the Down Rural Area Partnership office on 028 9182 0748. Guidance notes to include eligibility criteria and funding thresholds for the above measure are available at .