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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
Rural Down Means Business   27 September 2007
Rural Down Partnership, the body charged with administering the LEADER+ Programme in the Ards, Banbridge and Down Council areas has successfully delivered LEADER+ funding to the value of £1.592M to 97 small rural businesses in the three areas. More…

Contact Us
Rural Down Partnership, Civic Building, Downshire Road,
Banbridge, Co. Down BT32 3JY
Tel: 028 4066 0609
Fax: 028 4066 0601
Email: info@ruraldown.org.uk

Area Coverage: Ards, Banbridge and Down Council areas

Programme Duration: 2001-2006

Next Closing Date for Applications is:
Applications Closed

Programme Value: £1,592,198.74

Projects Supported to Date: 102

Funding Allocated to Date: £1,592,198.74

Business Type: Micro-businesses (Less than 10 persons)

Target Groups: Women, young people, farmers and farm families, long-term unemployed

Ineligible Urban Areas: Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Comber, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Newtownards

Funding Themes:
-Enhancing Access to Employment
-Fostering New Rural Enterprises
-Supporting the Survival and Enhancement of Existing Businesses (including farms)
-Supporting Rural Tourism