North East Rural Cluster

Overview

The European Union has set three main themes within which all Member States are to focus their Rural Development Programmes. These themes (known as axes) are:

• Axis 1 - Improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry by supporting restructuring, development and innovation
• Axis 2 - Improving the environment and countryside by supporting land management
• Axis 3 - Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity

They also require at least part of all Rural Development Programmes to be delivered through a "LEADER-type approach" - under the NI Rural Development Programme 2000-06, numerous partnerships delivered parts of the Programme within their own geographical area. The Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (the "NIRDP") contains a number of measures under each axis.

North East Region will deliver the Axis 3 measures under the NIRDP using a 'LEADER'; approach, that is, local people making local decisions

At the local level the Programme is strategically delivered by a Joint Committee (JC) representing all five Councils and implemented by a Local Action Group (LAG) comprised of an equal number of locally elected representatives and social partners.

Ballymena Borough Council acts as the administrative Council with responsibility for all financial and administrative matters.

The Joint Committee is made up of three elected representatives from each of the five Council areas of Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle.

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

Guidance notes and eligibility criteria as well as application forms can be found online through the EU Grants website www.eugrants.org or the GROW website www.notheastrdp.com or by hard copy applications which can be obtained by contacting the GROW Office.