Minister Andrew Muir has announced grants worth £3.1 million under the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)’s Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme, which was set up to tackle rural poverty and isolation in Northern Ireland (NI).
The scheme is forecast to benefit some 150,000 rural dwellers, with grants of between £500 to £2,000 on offer to rural voluntary and community organisations, which can be used to enhance amenities, upgrade energy facilities, and fund environmental initiatives.
Minister Muir made the announcement at Auld Toon Ulster Scots Society in Kells, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, where he delivered the society’s grant-aid letter of approval of £1,992, for the purchase of a defibrillator and six folding tables for use in their hall.
The equipment will enable the society, which promotes the Ulster Scots dialect in the community, to offer reassurance to those attending their events and to expand its activities on offer.
Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme
Speaking at the event in Kells, manager of Northern Area Community Network, Breige Conway said: “The DAERA Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme continues to be a vital source of support for small voluntary and community organisation in rural areas.
“This funding enables them to invest in essential equipment, strengthening their ability to deliver crucial services and enhance the well-being of their local communities.”
Earlier in the day, the minister handed over a grant-aid letter for £692 to Millisle and District Community Association (MDCA), for the purchase of a sander and a thickness planer for use at their men’s shed.
MDCA was established to advance community development, health, education, the arts, culture, and heritage within the area, with the Men’s Shed offering varied social activities such as baking, chatting, and woodwork.
Addressing the society, Minister Muir said: “This grant aid will help address locally identified poverty or social isolation issues and is expected to benefit 150,000 rural dwellers. Small capital grants have a very positive impact on the voluntary and community sector.
“It is fitting, at a time when the sector played such a crucial role in supporting rural communities affected by Storm Éowyn, that the grant-aid provides support to sustain and, in many cases, increase the provision of services offered by rural voluntary and community organisations.
“I am also particularly pleased to note that upwards on 250 ‘letters of offers’ provide support to implement positive sustainable environmental improvements,” he concluded.
