22/02/2012
£16m Fund To Help Address Rural Poverty
Projects in rural areas are to benefit from a £16 million fund aimed at fighting poverty and isolation.
Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today said tackling rural poverty and social isolation is a key priority.
Speaking as she launched the new framework that aims to provide measures worth up to £16million to support vulnerable people in our rural communities she said: "The 'Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation' framework and associated action plan will help target the causes of social isolation and help those in poverty in rural areas throughout the North."
The Minister said that the funds will help support a range of activities that will make a difference. These include improving access to transport; maximising access to grants, benefits and services; the rural support charity; rural community development; fuel poverty schemes; a Health Checks programme; a Rural Youth Employability Programme; a Rural Young Entrepreneurs Programme; a services for older people project; a borewell requisition project; and a small grants programme.
She said: "It is through these many interventions that our rural areas can continue to be sustainable. They will also help support the most vulnerable who are often forgot about but can make an enormous contribution to society."
The Minister made the announcement at Opportunities for Older People (O4O), which is a community organisation in Cookstown who actively promote the quality of life for older people in the district through a series of support services.
Margaret Gilmore MBE, Chairperson of 040 said: "I know from first hand experience having received a small grant through the Rural Challenge Programme in 2010, the impact some small financial assistance can make on the lives of rural dwellers. It provides them with a focus and a stimulus which reduces the impact of social exclusion for those, in this case the elderly, that are most vulnerable."
(LB/GK)
Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today said tackling rural poverty and social isolation is a key priority.
Speaking as she launched the new framework that aims to provide measures worth up to £16million to support vulnerable people in our rural communities she said: "The 'Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation' framework and associated action plan will help target the causes of social isolation and help those in poverty in rural areas throughout the North."
The Minister said that the funds will help support a range of activities that will make a difference. These include improving access to transport; maximising access to grants, benefits and services; the rural support charity; rural community development; fuel poverty schemes; a Health Checks programme; a Rural Youth Employability Programme; a Rural Young Entrepreneurs Programme; a services for older people project; a borewell requisition project; and a small grants programme.
She said: "It is through these many interventions that our rural areas can continue to be sustainable. They will also help support the most vulnerable who are often forgot about but can make an enormous contribution to society."
The Minister made the announcement at Opportunities for Older People (O4O), which is a community organisation in Cookstown who actively promote the quality of life for older people in the district through a series of support services.
Margaret Gilmore MBE, Chairperson of 040 said: "I know from first hand experience having received a small grant through the Rural Challenge Programme in 2010, the impact some small financial assistance can make on the lives of rural dwellers. It provides them with a focus and a stimulus which reduces the impact of social exclusion for those, in this case the elderly, that are most vulnerable."
(LB/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2002
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
01 July 2004
Cash registered with rural retailers
Fifty-six rural retailers from across the province are celebrating after receiving their share of a £440,000 grant allocation under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) Rural Retail Support Programme.
Cash registered with rural retailers
Fifty-six rural retailers from across the province are celebrating after receiving their share of a £440,000 grant allocation under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) Rural Retail Support Programme.
23 July 2014
£623m Allocated For Rural Development Programme
A budget of £623m has been allocated for the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, it has been announced. Rural Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the 2014-2020 RDP budget would be allocated across three specific areas: protecting the rural environment, developing rural economies and competitiveness of agriculture.
£623m Allocated For Rural Development Programme
A budget of £623m has been allocated for the Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, it has been announced. Rural Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the 2014-2020 RDP budget would be allocated across three specific areas: protecting the rural environment, developing rural economies and competitiveness of agriculture.
26 March 2024
Consumer Council Gives 'Top Tips' To Help Address Food Waste
The Consumer Council has outlined a number of 'top tips' to help address food waste, as the cost of a weekly grocery shop continues to remain so high. The Consumer Council said that at times it seems unavoidable that food goes-off before we get the chance to eat it. There are quite a few myths about storing food properly.
Consumer Council Gives 'Top Tips' To Help Address Food Waste
The Consumer Council has outlined a number of 'top tips' to help address food waste, as the cost of a weekly grocery shop continues to remain so high. The Consumer Council said that at times it seems unavoidable that food goes-off before we get the chance to eat it. There are quite a few myths about storing food properly.
03 March 2022
Gortin Glens Forest Park Enhancement Works Complete
Rural Development Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed the completion of extensive enhancements at Gortin Glens Forest Park.
Gortin Glens Forest Park Enhancement Works Complete
Rural Development Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed the completion of extensive enhancements at Gortin Glens Forest Park.