Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

SOAR PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENING IN CROSSMAGLEN

Published: 27 February, 2009

Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty, who sits on the transitional joint committee of SOAR (southern organisation for action in rural areas) has said there is to be a public information session in Crossmaglen community centre on the 18th March from 5-8pm regarding Acts 3 of the NIRDP.

Cllr Hearty said,

"It is extremely important for community and residents' groups to avail of measure 3.5 which covers village renewal and development. Minister for Agriculture and rural development, Michelle Gildernew launchd the programme which will make 16.7 million pound available last week."

Cllr Hearty outlined the work of SOAR,


"SOAR is the joint committee and Local Action Group for the Craigavon, Armagh and Newry and Mourne Council areas."

"It is responsible for administering part of the NIRDP (Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme) for 2007-2013 within these rural areas."

"The NIRDP is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development."

At local level, the programme is strategically delivered by a joint Committee representing all three councils and implemented by a local Action Group comprised of Local councillors and social partner representatives. Craigavon Borough Council acts as the Lead council, on behalf of the partnership, with responsibility for all financial and administrative matters.

The main aim of SOAR is:

" To improve the quality of life for all the people of our rural areas through working in partnership to deliver actions that will build safe, inclusive, equitable, healthy, skilled, sustainable and thriving communities."

SOAR will administer the following measures under Axis 3 of the NIRDP:

3.1 Farm diversification

3.2 Business Creation and Development

3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities

3.4 Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population

3.5 Village Renewal and Development

3.6 Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage