Rural Fund welcomes new grant applications

LAGAN Rural Partnership will re-open on Monday 22 August 2011 for new applications to the ‘Rural Life’ axis of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme Fund (2007-2013).
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2011, 00:00 BST

The call will remain open until 5pm on Friday 7th October 2011 with applications welcomed from projects based within the rural areas of Lisburn City Council, Belfast City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council.

The Partnership has already enjoyed considerable success in the delivery of the fund and grant payments of up to £50,000, per application, have been made to organisations from the local childcare, equestrian, rural tourism, manufacturing, marketing and engineering sectors.

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To date 70 projects have been approved by the Partnership representing an investment in excess of £2 million to the local economy.

Country Bumpkins, a well established private day care nursery, based near Moneyreagh in Castlereagh Borough Council district, were successful in obtaining a grant of just over £8,000 from Lagan Rural Partnership to install a new CCTV system and outdoor play area at their premises in Moneyreagh.

Speaking about the impact of the funding, Ruth McGowan, Manager of Country Bumpkins said: “We are keen to provide the highest quality rural childcare facility which we possibly can.

“Funding has allowed us to provide increased safety and peace of mind for parents with the installation of a new CCTV system. The new outdoor play facility has allowed us to provide an even more fun and interactive experience for the children which we care for.”

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Lagan Rural Partnership’s Local Action Group Chairperson Alderman Allan Ewart is encouraging new applications and said: “Despite the ongoing adverse effects of the global recession Lagan Rural Partnership is particularly pleased to note a significant increase in successful applications from local companies”.

“Many of these applications have resulted from new sales orders and reflect renewed optimism and buoyancy within the local rural economy, particularly with the prospect of new job creation and economic growth”.

For further advice on Lagan Rural Partnership or the grants available contact project staff or contact the Admin Unit should you require an application pack: Emma Donaghy 028 9250 9389; Peter Shortt 028 9250 9391; Admin Unit 028 9250 9419. Email: [email protected] Website: www.laganruralpartnership.com