Rural Development Programme
In July 2008, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) submitted a very comprehensive rural development plan for South and East Cork to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. This followed a national call for applications. SECAD was awarded funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and a contract was signed in February 2009.
If your group has a project which you think may be eligible for funding and you wish to proceed with in the near future, please contact us on 021 4613432. We can then assist you with the support you might need and issue you with an application form etc.
Ireland’s RDP is based on the EU framework for rural development (Council Regulation (EC) 1698/2005) and on the National Rural Development Strategy. It forms part of the National Development Plan.
The programme for Ireland sets outs three main priorities or core axes:
- Improving the competitiveness of the agriculture sector through support for structural change;
- Improving the environment and the countryside by support for land management; and
- Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity through the implementation of local development strategies.
The first two priorities are directed primarily at the agricultural sector. The third priority of the programme relating to quality of life and diversification in rural areas is relevant to all rural dwellers, including farmers. Programme actions are centred on the promotion of economic activity in rural areas and broader community initiatives aimed at improving overall quality of life for rural dwellers eg. development of rural enterprises, rural tourism, village enhancement and environmental initiatives implemented through local action groups using the LEADER approach.
LEADER / LEADER Type Programmes
The LEADER Programme was originally established as the European Initiative for Rural Development and commenced on a pilot basis in Ireland in 1991. Since 1995, the LEADER and LEADER type programme (National Rural Development Programme) has been the driving force in community and enterprise development throughout East Cork. Hundreds of projects have been supported throughout the area with capital and marketing support, training and technical assistance including tourism, food, craft and other enterprises, agricultural diversification, enhancement of the environment and community development.
For a list of previous projects supported please see Archive - Projects Supported
