New Programme to invest €10 million into local community
Leas Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, Mr. Francis Foley, launched the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on behalf of West Limerick Resources at an official ceremony in the County Council Office in Newcastle West on Monday February 9th at 7.30pm. This launch follows the official signing of contracts by Eamon O Cuiv, Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, at a ceremony in Croke Park on Thursday January 29th last. Promising to support improvements to the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy the launch of the programme was attended by local politicians and representatives from statutory agencies.
In November 2008 it was announced that West Limerick Resources had been allocated €9,997,750 under the Programme, which is also known as LEADER. According to Mary Quaid, Chairperson of West Limerick Resources, “The Rural Development programme to date has had an enormously positive impact on West Limerick. Since its creation in 1994, our company has successfully administered two previous Rural Development Programmes – LEADER II (1994-1999) and The National Rural Development Programme 2000-2006, with a total public investment of almost €6 million for the continued development of West Limerick. It has helped develop new rural enterprise, supported the development of community facilities and services, and promoted our local cultural and heritage.” It was also highlighted by Manager Shay Riordan that in addition to the €3million in public funding invested locally through West Limerick Resources under the National Rural Development Programme 2000-2006, a further €10million of further investment was leveraged into the area though capital from project promoters and other public funding. “Given that West Limerick Resources has been allocated approximately €10million under the new Rural Development Programme, there is huge benefit to be accrued to the local economy.”
Speaking about the programme two weeks ago, Minister O Cuiv stated, “Despite the difficulties facing us, the investment of €425m that the Programme will provide presents us with an opportunity to change rural communities in Ireland for the better. Of course, it is up to all of us to work together in partnership to ensure that this money is put to the very best use. Now, more than ever before, rural communities need to be innovative in the services and enterprises they create.” Continuing the Minister explained, “I know that Groups are keen now to get busy with developing projects in your local area. I am confident that the ground work that will be done now will see us taking the Programme forward for the next number of years and achieving the sustainable development across rural Ireland that will add to our prosperity and our quality of life.”
The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is the largest ever package for rural development, almost treble the amount available under the last programme (2000-2006) and is funded by the National Exchequer through the National Development Plan and by the EU through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. A range of activities may be funded under this Programme including training, technical assistance, diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation & development, village renewal & development and development of tourism. West Limerick Resources will now begin to promote both the Programme and the application process to individual entrepreneurs, small businesses and community groups in the West Limerick area. Evening information workshops are now scheduled to take place in five areas across West Limerick. Each workshops starts at 7.30pm.
- Tuesday 17th February – Fr Casey’s Clubhouse, Abbeyfeale
- Thursday 19th February – Askeaton Community Centre
- Tuesday 24th February – Knockaderry Community Hall
- Thursday 26th February - Adare Parish Hall
- Tuesday 3rd March – Desmond Complex, Newcastle West
For further information please contact: Joan Casey, Rural Development Programme Coordinator on 069 66 29 4 or email: jcasey@wlr.ie