ARC North West: Rural Development Programme
Overview
The Northern Ireland 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.
At the local level the Programme is strategically delivered by a Statutory Joint Committee representing all four Councils and implemented by a Local Action Group comprised of representatives from the business, community, agriculture, council and statutory sectors.
Omagh District Council acts as the Administrative Council with responsibility for all financial and administrative matters.
Strategic Aim: "to improve the quality, cohesiveness and sustainability of local social and economic life in the rural North West by supporting development work taken forward by the private, community, voluntary and public sectors".
Only projects that demonstrate the capacity to fit one of the measures set out will receive funding.
The Rural Development Programme (RDP) aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas by supporting a wide range of projects under the following measures:
Measure 3.1 Diversification into Non- Agricultural Activities
Through this measure, the RDP aims to increase farm household income and create employment opportunities by providing assistance for farm households to diversify into non-agricultural activities on farm.
Measure 3.2 Business Creation and Development
Through this measure, the RDP aims to develop the economic infrastructure in rural areas by creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship. The programme will provide support for existing micro-enterprise and for individuals wishing to set up a new micro enterprise in a non-agricultural sector.
Measure 3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities
Through this measure the RDP offers support to maximise opportunities for tourism development which make best use of natural and cultural resources. By supporting sustainable development of the rural economy, the RDP aims to attract visitors and create new employment opportunities by providing support to existing rural tourism enterprises and for individuals wishing to develop tourism activities.
Measure 3.4 Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population
Through this measure the RDP aims to increase the attractiveness of rural areas by supporting the improvement of basic services. This will include the improvement of cultural and leisure activities and related small scale infrastructure. Support will also be provided towards the costs of identifying need in rural areas.
Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development
In order to support integrated village initiatives which promote community development and regeneration, the RDP will support animation and capacity building within and between villages and their surrounding rural areas.
This will include the formulation of integrated action plans to define the role of villages and fully develop the potential of rural areas.
Measure 3.6 Conservation and Upgrading the Rural Heritage
Through this measure, the RDP aims to use the natural resources in the North West Cluster area to create new employment opportunities and develop the rural economy. This will be achieved through supporting local initiatives to preserve and upgrade the rural heritage.
How to Apply
In the first instance you should complete an expressions of interest for funding from the Rural Development Programme Axis 3 initiative in the North West Cluster area by the deadline.