£500k cash to be pumped into rural development

By Iveren McCallion

Half a million pounds of investment is being pumped into our rural communities with the start-up of a funding scheme.

It follows the success of the first call for applicants to the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale rural development program - around £600,000 was invested with a return of 54 jobs created and stimulation to local economy.

Nicholas McCrickard is chair of the rural development program, he said, ""I am delighted with the enthusiasm for and success of the programme to date. The Local Action Group (LAG) members have been instrumental in the allocation of these funds.

"Going forward they will guide us towards the delivery of a wide range of projects through the various schemes of Rural Business Investment, Rural Basic Services and Village Renewal which focus on addressing social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in the area.”and expects to equal the success of the first call, in the second round of funding", he added.

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The second round of funding is still open to applicants across Newcastle, Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Ballynahinch.