Rural Regeneration
SOAR (ABC) is a Local Action Group that works with the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) to deliver Priority 6 LEADER Schemes of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2014-20 in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. SOAR (ABC) have a budget of £8.02 million to administer the strategic objectives set out in our approved Local Rural Development Strategy and provided grants under the following measures;
- Rural Business Investment Scheme – Budget £3.18m
Increase economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy through encouraging and supporting the creation and development of micro and small enterprises in the broader rural economy including on-farm diversification into non-agricultural activities and private tourism provision;
- Rural Basic Services Scheme– Budget £1.38m
Improve and maintain the living conditions and welfare of rural dwellers through the provision of more and better basic services;
- Village Renewal Scheme – Budget £1.55m
Regenerate villages and their surrounding areas by improving their economic prospects and the quality of life;
A budget of £0.44m will also be earmarked for co-operation projects with other LEADER groups.