Funding programme opens in Banbridge

Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP)is inviting people to submit project proposals to secure funding to improve the quality of life in Banbridge and beyond.

The funding is part of a 13.5 million being invested across County Down during the next four years and represents another significant opportunity for enterprising individuals living or working in rural communities, according to David Kerr, Chair of the DRAP Local Action Group.

“These themes - diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities and Business Creation and Development - have a clear focus on improving and enhancing the rural economies of all four areas and sometimes the knowledge that there is financial support available through a programme like this, can be all the encouragement an enterprising individual or company needs to put ideas into action,” said Mr Kerr.

“I would encourage anyone with a project to explore the options open to them and apply for funding which can strengthen the rural economy and create much-needed employment”.

To apply for rural development funding you must live in a rural location in one of the four Council areas – which is usually classed as an area of 4,500 or less - or if you live in an urban setting, you must be able to demonstrate that your project will principally benefit a rural area.

Farmers, private businesses and social economy enterprises, as well as individuals over the age of 18, can all take advantage of these funding opportunities.

Applications can be made online until Wednesday May 12 at 4pm through the EU Grants website www.eugrants.org. To obtain a hardcopy application and to discuss a project, contact the Down Rural Area Partnership offices at Ards Business Centre, Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Tel: 028 9182 0748 or log onto www.downruralareapartnership.com for more details.