“Good news for Roe Valley”

This initiative is aimed at tackling poverty and social isolation within rural communities and Councillor Nicholl claims it will be a boost for Greysteel, Glack and Ballykelly.

Dermot Nicholl is a director of ARC Northwest Limited a separate body responsible for the distribution of the Rural Development Programme, RDP fund totalling £15 million.

Councillor Nicholl said: “The Rural Challenge Programme 2012 fund is £700,000. This is identified as a key strand under DARD’s “Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework” programme.

“I encourage local groups to identify solutions that address the particular challenges faced by rural communities in relation to their poverty and social isolation issues.

“This challenge can be met through the development of a series of projects which can be funded through the programme. In my local area and indeed right across the Borough of Limavady there are urgent poverty and social rural isolation issues.

“They can be targeted through this innovative programme which is focused on getting to the core of poverty and social isolation at a local level.

“Sinn Féin will support all local community and voluntary groups to avail of funding through this Rural Challenge Programme. They are best placed to identify the issues on the ground.”

He added: “I will announce dates and venues of the local Best Practice Workshops once all the details have been finalised. I welcome any group requiring help processing their application to contact me at my office on 028 777 42488.”