Almost 300 pledge to help shape the area’s rural development

Under the guidance of the EU-wide LEADER Programme, LAGs are being established across Northern Ireland. Each of these will bring together the interests of rural development and elected representatives to form partnerships that will shape and deliver positive transformation in local rural communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Rural Network for Northern Ireland, Teresa Canavan, Chief Executive, Rural Development Council said:

“The public interest and appetite for LAG membership has been incredible and will make a tangible difference to rural areas and their communities throughout Northern Ireland.

“There is a real diversity of individuals keen to get involved in their LAG. This will be the key ingredient in ensuring the success and productivity of each group and its impact in the future prosperity and development of their local rural areas.

“On behalf of the Rural Network for Northern Ireland I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with this part of the process including Rural Support Networks, local councils, communities, farming, business, women and youth sectors for facilitating, encouraging and promoting the process.”

Registered members now have the opportunity to become a Director of their LAG Board.

Board nomination forms can be obtained at www.ruralnetworkni.org.uk and have to be returned by 5pm on Wednesday, 7th January 2015. Each form must be supported by 2 registered LAG members from within the same LAG area as the applicant.

To assist with this, a list of registered LAG members can be found at www.ruralnetworkni.org.uk

Minister Michelle O’Neill launched the LAG formation process at Loughry College,Cookstown on October 22nd, 40 public information meetings were held across Northern Ireland

A total of 1,818 attended these meetings with 2,028 signing up for LAG membership.