Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has delivered more than £180,000 in grant funding to three companies in the Causeway Coast and Glens area to help develop their businesses.
The Minister handed over letters confirming the funding while attending the Londonderry and Limavady Show. The grants are the first to be handed out under the Rural Business Investment Scheme.
Garvagh company A Farlow (Engineering) Ltd has been offered £90,000 towards construction of a new workshop. An offer of £90,000 has been made to Currie Engineering Ltd, also of Garvagh, to help purchase specialist equipment. And Ballymoney-based Agquip Ltd is to receive up to £6,005 to help take forward a digital marketing project.
Highlighting the benefits the funding will bring, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be handing over the first letters of offer under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to businesses in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group area.
“There is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent and potential in this area, and indeed across all of our rural communities – these three companies typify these qualities, and I wish them every success as they take their projects forward.
“Around £24million of support will be made available under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to help local businesses in rural areas grow and develop. I look forward to delivering more grants to rural companies around the province under this programme over the coming months.”
While at the Londonderry and Limavady Show the Minister also visited trade stands and viewed the judging of livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats. The Minister also took the time to engage with the wide range of smaller stalls representing micro enterprises and home industries in fields such as food, crafts and flowers.
Speaking about her visit, the Minister said: “It is a great pleasure for me as Minister to attend the Londonderry and Limavady Show and see at first-hand the offering here. The North West has a rich rural heritage and this is clear to see from the quality of the animals and food on show today.
“It is excellent to see participation not only by major concerns in the local agri-food sector, but also by smaller, home-based micro enterprises.
“The Londonderry and Limavady Show has been running for more than 70 years and has a wonderful family atmosphere. Large numbers enjoy a fantastic day out here every year and this is testament to the hard work and dedication of the show organisers. My thanks go to them for their hospitality and I offer them my best wishes for future success.”
Patsy Bradley, Chair of the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group, added, “As the Chair of the Local Action Group, I am pleased to start getting the first Letters of Offer out to our business applicants. Between the three businesses, there will be 10 new jobs created in the rural area and an opportunity for expansion for all three businesses. Each business is receiving funding for specific projects to meet their needs, for example, by purchasing new equipment, the construction of new facilities and the marketing and promotion of their product. We look forward to issuing more Letters of Offer in the near future and to realise the benefits of the Rural Development Programme funding in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.”
Notes to editors:
1. More information on the Rural Business Investment Scheme is available on the DAERA website.
2. More information on the Londonderry and Limavady Show is available at the Limavady Show website.
3. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
4. Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni