RDP IN ACTION A showcase of projects supported by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 COMMUNICATING AT A LOCAL, NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN LEVEL Communication is one of the core elements of EU Rural Development policy. Great value is placed on sharing information, practice, experiences, ideas, projects and concepts between stakeholders. At a domestic level the Rural Network for Northern Ireland (RNNI) carry out this work by identifying and sharing practice, exchanging information, providing training and support, supporting Local Action Groups to promote and assist the development of co-operation projects and managing online communication tools and networking opportunities. In turn National Rural Networks (NRNs) are members of the wider European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) which helps Member States implement their RDPs efficiently. The ENRD serves as a platform for the sharing of ideas and experiences on how rural development policies are working in practice and how they can be improved. In addition to NRNs its stakeholders include National Member State Authorities, Local Action Groups (LAGs) and rural development organisations with an EU perspective. RNNI holds membership of the European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD) on behalf of the seven Northern Ireland Local Action Groups. ELARD actively promotes the ‘bottom-up’ local development LEADER methodology which is an intrinsic element of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. Networking and co-operation are two of the key features of the LEADER approach. Membership of ELARD allows LAGs transfer good practice, disseminate innovation and build on the lessons learned from local rural development strategies in other EU regions. INTRODUCTION The Rural Network for Northern Ireland is very proud to present this Rural Development Programme in Action guide which highlights a range of projects which have been initiated across rural Northern Ireland with support from the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2007-2013. The Programme, which is Ireland is brought to the worth over £500million European stage and that was designed to protect we are showcased as a ‘can and enhance our rural do’ region and that rural environment and contribute Northern Ireland is open to the development of and thriving with business. competitive and sustainable This brochure will be rural businesses and thriving circulated to all stakeholders rural communities. involved in the delivery of When the programme the Rural Development opened in 2007 its aims Programme in Northern and objectives were Ireland as well as to the clear however the real Republic of Ireland, across test of any programme the UK regions to Wales, is if it can attract enough Scotland and England public interest and if that and across Europe. interest can translate “ Rural Northern Ireland is brimming with into real life outcomes. life, activity, fresh ideas, new ventures and We are pleased to be able entrepreneurs of all ages and genders.” to respond positively on this front. The range and volume of applicants across the moves taken by those who Communication Exchange, various measures shows a have been encouraged by in essence that means clear demand and interest success stories from the the sharing of ideas and from across Northern previous programme or techniques to make the The Northern Ireland Ireland and from across the have just decided to take programme a success. It is Rural Development broad range of sectors from a leap of faith. All projects our hope that this guide will Programme 2007-2013 farm families and businesses though are underpinned provide food for thought (NIRDP) is jointly funded to private individuals by faith and trust in the or perhaps simply a spark by the European Union, and local councils. Programme to support of inspiration to those who through the European This project guide each action at every stage. could initiate projects in Agricultural Fund for captures the breadth and The guide showcases their own areas, not just Rural Development, diversity of projects and all that is good about here in Northern Ireland but and the Department of showcases examples rural Northern Ireland. in other European regions. Agriculture and Rural undertaken so far across It is brimming with life, Those involved in the Development (DARD). Northern Ireland. To activity, fresh ideas, new Northern Ireland Rural The Rural Network date the programme has ventures and entrepreneurs Development Programme for Northern Ireland supported thousands of of all ages and genders. are constantly encouraged is managed by the people begin new schemes The projects presented by activities we read Northern Ireland Rural and ventures, maintain here range from specialist about or experience in Development Council services, improve existing woodcraft and baby food other EU countries. The (RDC) through the Agri facilities, embark on training, to recycling, planting native European Network for Rural Forum as part of plant woodland, develop woodland and allotments Rural Development (ENRD) the Northern Ireland local food products or take to picture framing, organic does an exemplary role Rural Development advantage of good advice pig production and even in making the activities Programme co-financed and support. Some projects broadband for chickens! of other regions real and by the European are first tentative steps into As a Network one accessible. It is our aim also Agricultural Fund for the world of grant funding of our main tasks is to to ensure the good work Rural Development. while others are ambitious promote Information and being done here in Northern MINISTERIAL FOREWORD As Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development it gives me great pleasure to introduce this project guide which highlights the range of activities which are taking place in rural areas across the north of Ireland with help from the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. - Improving the competitiveness of agricultural and forestry land in agriculture and forestry by supporting Axis 2; and improving the quality restructuring, development of life through the diversification and innovation); Environment of rural economies, business & Countryside - Improving the creation and development, environment and countryside by village renewal, access to basic supporting land management; and services, and tourism activities Rural Life - Improving the quality of with the support of strong and life in rural areas and encouraging confident ‘on-the-ground’ diversification of economic activity. Local Action Groups in Axis 3. “ This guide showcases examples of projects which meet the policy objectives of all three axes, but arguably more importantly, mobilise people and communities to take action for the good of their own area.” The programme was designed and In addition all Rural Development This project guide includes a sample of developed to protect and enhance Programmes are required to the projects which have been supported our rural environment and contribute incorporate a LEADER-type approach across the north of Ireland thus far in to the development of competitive – focusing on ‘bottom-up’ rural the programme. It also features some and sustainable rural businesses and development actions. In practice projects from other regions and hopefully thriving rural communities. In real this means the social partners, it will be used not as a reference manual terms it is worth over £500million to local businesses and elected for projects which can be funded but the north of Ireland and is just one of representatives working together to ignite ideas, spark discussion and 94 Rural Development Programmes in a Local Action Group (LAG) motivate and enthuse readers to take which are now operating across partnership. The LEADER approach new interest in the programme. Europe offering an investment is a cross-cutting theme in Axis 4. The production of this project guide of 230 billion euro budget. This guide showcases examples has been coordinated by the Rural This huge investment is testament of projects which meet the policy Network for the north of Ireland and to the significant commitment by objectives of all three axes, but I want to thank the Network team for both the domestic government arguably more importantly, mobilise their continued work on communicating and the European Union to the people and communities to take our collective achievements through development of rural areas across action for the good of their own generating information, good ideas Europe. It is not an exercise in area. The activities highlighted and experiences not only here in the providing grants in the hope that range from physical and capital north of Ireland but via their website, rural areas will improve through investments, restructuring, ezine, bulletins and events to our Rural financial assistance alone, rather development and human resources Development colleagues and activists it is planned at a strategic policy skills training and enhancing quality through Britain, Ireland and Europe. level. The European Union has set of production processes and I have no doubt that the three main themes within which products in Axis 1 underpinned publication will be of interest and all Member States focus their Rural by skills training; to general inspiration to anyone involved in Development Programmes. These improvement of the environment any aspect of rural development. themes known as ‘axes’ each has a and countryside through good set of ‘measures’