The North East Region Rural Development Programme is a funding initiative that will help improve the quality of life in the rural areas by supporting a wide range of activities. It covers the council areas of Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne and Moyle and it is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Measure 3.1 ‘Diversification into non-agricultural activities’ and Measure 3.2 ‘Business Creation and Development’ closed their first round for applications on the 19th of June. There was an excellent response with applications being received from right across the North East Region; the team at the Ecos Centre in Ballymena is now assessing the applications.
The 1st of September 2009 will see the opening of three further measures being managed by the North East Region Rural Development Programme; the launch of these measures will take place in Portballintrae Community Centre, Portballintrae on the 1st of September 2009 at 7 pm.
Measure 3.3 - Encouragement of Tourism Activities
Measure 3.4 - Access to Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population
Measure 3.6 - Conservation and Upgrading of Rural Heritage
Measure 3.3 has a global budget of £2.35 million and will welcome project applications with a tourism focus such as Activity Tourism, Eco Tourism, Large Scale infrastructure projects and Self Catering Accommodation. Some specialist calls will also be funded under this measure such as a Tourism Food Initiative.
Measure 3.4 has a global budget of £1.57 million and will assess project applications that address such issues as Childcare provision, Youth Provision, Services to Senior Citizens and Other Rural Services.
Measure 3.6 has a global budget of £0.5 million and will assess project applications that address Monument/Heritage site conservation and protection, Access/Signage/Information of heritage sites, Celebrations of culture/history and heritage, Exploration of natural built and maritime environment.
Information evenings will be held in each council area in the region and a list of venues and times are listed below.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Thursday 3rd September | 7.00pm | Willowbank, Larne |
| Monday 7th September | 7.00pm | GADA Offices, Main Street, Garvagh |
| Tuesday 8th September | 7.00pm | Ballymoney Rugby Club,Kilraughts Road, Ballymoney |
| Wednesday 9th September | 7.00pm | Cottage Site, High Street, Cushendall |
| Thursday 10th September | 7.00pm | Ahoghill Community Centre, Cullybackey Road, Ahoghill |
To hear the presentation on what grant assistance is available, and to determine if your idea or project is eligible and to pick up an application pack on the programme please come along and talk to one of the North East staff, or alternatively contact North East Region Rural Development Programme at Ballymena Borough Council on (028) 2563 8263 or email: northeast.rdp@ballymena.gov.uk.