Rural Development Programme launched by Ballyhoura Development

Today, Mr John Walsh, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development launched Ballyhoura Development Rural Development Programme at an event in the Charleville Park Hotel.

Through the Rural Development programme, Ballyhoura Development will support individuals, businesses and communities to develop projects which meet the objectives of diversifying the rural economy and improving the quality of life across the Ballyhoura Development area.

Mr Walsh stated “I am delighted to announce the commencement of the Rural Development Programme where funding will support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities in the Ballyhoura Development area. With the current economic climate, this support for rural communities is timely and will provide a boost for the area. Under previous LEADER programmes, a great variety of projects were developed in the Ballyhoura area across all sectors, many of which exhibit best practice at an international level. The majority of the enterprises supported under previous LEADER programmes now employ increased staff numbers and are yielding significant direct and indirect benefits to the local communities; the generation of this additional economic activity in rural areas is a key to their survival in the long-term as it results in a significant multiplier effect. Many of the community projects supported under LEADER programmes enhanced the landscape of rural communities and also delivered key infrastructure in communities such as playgrounds and refurbishments to community centres.”

To ensure that communities, individuals and businesses are aware of the opportunities available through the Rural Development Programme, Ballyhoura Development has arranged a series of information sessions which are open to the general public; these sessions will take place as follows:

While each information session will give an overview of the programme, sessions will focus on the specific topics of tourism, community and enterprise. Mr Walsh encouraged people with project ideas to attend the relevant information session as deadlines will apply to some of the funding opportunities. These sessions will provide details of the types of supports available together with grant rates and application procedures. If persons are not in a position to attend one of these sessions, they should contact Ballyhoura Development for information on the roll-out of the programme and available supports.

Funding through the programme will cover a range of activities across enterprise, food, community, tourism heritage, environment and recreation with support for research and development, training and direct project funding.

The Chief Executive, Ms Carmel Fox, thanked Minister O’Cuiv and his staff at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for preparing the National Rural Development Programme and in securing increased funding for the Rural Development Programme. In looking forward to supporting the roll-out of the programme in partnership with a range of agencies and to seeing projects developing and growing during this time, Ms Fox paid tribute to the present and past Board and staff members of Ballyhoura Development together with members of various sub-structures and partner organisations who supported the development of the Ballyhoura Rural Development Programme.

For further information in relation to the tourism and enterprise sessions, contact Mr Padraig Casey, Economic Development Manager 063-91747. For information on the community sessions: contact Ms Catherine Smyth, Community Manager, 063-91732. Email: info@ballyhoura.org; Web: www.ballyhouradevelopment.com 

Note (Extract from www.pobail.ie ) 

Rural Development Policy in the EU promotes sustainable development in Europe’s rural areas addressing economic, social and environmental concerns and is an increasingly important component of the Common Agriculture Policy. In this context the European Commission approved the Irish Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in July of 2007.  The programme is divided into 4 Axes and co-managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Axis 1 and 2) and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht (Axis 3 and 4). Axes 1 and 2 provide funding for improvement of the agricultural sector, environment and the countryside. Axes 3 and 4 provide funding for projects under the broad heading of Quality of life in Rural Areas and diversification of the rural economy.  Of the €425.4 million, €234 million will come from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and €191 million from national exchequer.  The Programme will be delivered through the LEADER approach, an innovative ‘bottom up’ approach that encourages rural areas to explore ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets and to overcome whatever challenges they may face. This approach is community driven and is managed through the Local Action Groups. Issued by Ballyhoura Development, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick

Contact Points:
Tourism and Enterprise Sessions: Mr Padraig Casey, Economic Development Manager 063 91 74 7
Contact for Community Sessions: Ms Catherine Smyth, Community Manager, 063 91 73 2
General Enquiries: Tel/Teil: 063 91 30 0 Fax/Facs: 063 91 33 0
Email / Ríomhphost: info@ballyhoura.org 
Web/Gréasán: www.ballyhouradevelopment.com