Local Action Group Seeking to Invest in Our Rural Communities

Tue, May 10, 2016

Local Action Group Seeking to Invest in Our Rural Communities

Former Minister for the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Michelle O’Neill pictured with Angela O’Hagan, Loughgiel Community Association.   

Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group, who manage the new Rural Development Programme 2014 –‑2020, are now preparing to release more funding for the community and voluntary sector within the Borough under the Rural Basic Services Scheme and Village Renewal Scheme. 

These Schemes will be rolling out in Autumn 2016 but the Local Action Group is running a number of information sessions now to provide guidance to groups in preparing an application to the Programme. 

Loughgiel Community Association has previously benefitted from funding under the NI Rural Development Programme.  It was established in 1988, and has facilitated a range of community services to rural Loughgiel for many years.  Based in the Millennium Centre the group delivers a wide range of initiatives and access to services that are normally lacking in rural and isolated areas in the Borough.  Facilities include childcare provision, training opportunities, conference and meeting room hire, health and wellbeing projects, youth club, provision of business units and café on site.

Angela O’Hagan, from Loughgiel Community Association said, ‘Our community has benefitted greatly from LEADER funding in the past and without it we would not be able to offer the range of services that we presently do.  The funding allowed to provide a community hub within Loughgiel for all our community.  We have become a sustainable part of our local community which is hard for any community or voluntary group in today’s economic climate.  The funding was invaluable.’

Patsy Bradley, Chair of Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group added, “We are delighted to able to roll out funding for groups within rural areas of our borough.  We have allocated over £3.4million in funding for projects which will provide access to services in rural areas and enhance living conditions for rural dwellers.  It has the ability to significantly impact on the lives of all those who live in rural or remote areas of the Borough.”

Information sessions will be held across the Borough throughout May 2016 to provide more information on what funding is available, what is eligible for funding and how to apply to the Rural Basic Services Scheme or the Village Renewal Scheme.

For more information on the above Schemes or the Programme visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/work/rural-development.

ENDS