Ards and North Down Rural Partnership is the Local Action Group responsible for the deliver LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
The Partnership consist of eleven social partners and nine elected partners.
Priority 6 of the Rural Development Programme identifies the importance of social inclusion, reducing poverty and developing the rural economy. Ards and North Down have received £3.85million for Priority 6 schemes as listed below.
- Rural Business Investment Scheme
- Rural Basic Services Scheme
- Village Renewal Scheme
1. Rural Business Investment Scheme
The scheme was designed to create jobs. It provided investment support to create and develop micro and small enterprises, including farm diversification and private tourism business in rural areas.
Funding of up to £90,000 for those looking to expand or develop a rural business in Ards and North Down Borough Council area, was available at up to a 50% grant rate.
The scheme provided aid to a range of services and businesses for both resource and capital based projects.
We have supported a variety of businesses throughout this scheme and will be releasing more details in the future of the recipients and the outcomes from our rural communities and businesses.
This Scheme has now closed.
2. Rural Basic Services Scheme
The Rural Basic Services Scheme supported capital investments which provided access to basic services or improvements in social infrastructure (including activities to reduce isolation and/or poverty) to improve the welfare and access to basic services of those living in rural areas and which is an integral part of, and in line with, the Council Community Plan and emerging priorities.
The level of capital grant funding was up to a maximum grant of £200,000 (75% of total project costs).
Projects related to the main theme of Innovative Service Delivery, such as the creation of health hubs to deliver multiple services or community hubs where the capital infrastructure is put in place to allow a number of services to be delivered to the community. Infrastructure projects were limited to small scale capital developments (up to £200,000). Resource funding was available towards marketing and bespoke training.
This scheme supported capital investments which:
• provided access to basic services or improvements in social infrastructure, including activities to reduce isolation or poverty
• improved the welfare and access to basic services of those living in rural areas
• were in line with and integral to the Council Community Plan and emerging priorities
This Scheme is now closed.
3. Village Renewal Scheme
This scheme is council-led. It will provide financial support for the drafting of integrated village plans, and for the renewal of rural villages through prioritises outlined in existing village plans. The scheme will build on the overarching fabric of a village or town integrating with funding from other government departments and agencies. It will also address rural dereliction and prioritise reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure.
Rural Partners
To discuss a potential project idea, contact our Rural Development office.
Telephone: 028 9147 3788
Email: info@ruralpartnersand.co.uk
