South Down MLA Chris Hazzard has welcomed news that £11.18 is to be spent on rural development in Down and Newry and Mourne. The announcement this week from Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill is part of the budget allocation under a new Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020.
Speaking after the announcement, Mr Hazzard said: “The rural development funding from Europe is designed to promote social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development.
“The funding will be focussed on business development, diversification and basic services and will be administered by newly formed Local Action Groups (LAG).”
Mr Hazzard continued: “This funding amounting to almost £70 will be spread across the north and Down and Newry and Mourne will enjoy the largest allocation.
“It will foster local development in rural areas by supporting business development, basic services, the renewal of villages and activities aimed at the restoration and upgrading of the cultural and natural heritage of rural areas and to promote the sustainability of rural areas.”
“Ending poverty is a fundamental tenet of Sinn Féin policy and through this EU funding a greater emphasis has been placed on tackling poverty and isolation.
“In making this allocation to Down and Newry and Armagh, an analysis has been made of the unemployment and deprivation in the area,” he added.
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