Welcome to the Rural Down Partnership website! The Rural Down Partnership is developing the rural economy of Co. Down by exploiting business development opportunities, stimulating and supporting innovative projects and targeting areas of need. You are welcome to explore this website and to find out how the Rural Down Partnership is managing the LEADER+ Programme in the rural wards of Ards, Banbridge and Down Council areas. Find out about the many innovative and diverse business development projects, which the Rural Down Partnership has already supported to date with LEADER+ funds. You can discover what funding opportunities are available and if you are eligible to apply. You can gain a better understanding of the steps involved in making an application to the Rural Down Partnership and you can even fill out an on-line expression of interest form.

About Rural Down Partnership
The Rural Down Partnership is the implementing body responsible for administering LEADER+ funds to the value of £1.45 Million in the rural parts of Ards, Banbridge and Down Council areas until December 2006. More…

About LEADER+
The LEADER+ Programme is one of the European Union's Community Initiatives that has been created to support rural development across Europe. It is the third phase of the LEADER Initiative and it will run from 2001-2006. More…

Latest News
Funding Available for Small Food Production Businesses   25 June 2007
The Partnership is now in a position to receive applications from private individuals or micro-businesses (employing up to 10 people f/t or equivalent p/t posts) in the Small Food Production sector seeking financial assistance towards rural-based projects, which meet the requirements of the theme "Assistance for small food production businesses to modernise equipment and facilities". More…