What is the (NRDP)
National Rural Development Programme ?

The primary aim of the National Rural Development Programme is to support economic development within the area. The National Rural Development Programme is a multi sectoral approach to local development in rural areas throughout Ireland. In South and West County Mayo the programme is being implemented by South West Mayo Development Company. The programme will run until 2006.

What Kind of Help is available?

Support can be offered for various types of innovative activity under the following headings.

Analysis and Development

Assistance may be given for the preparation of feasibility studies and towards the costs of technical expertise. Project officers are available to provide guidance and support to eligible promoters.

Training

Training programmes can be organised as needs are identified. These may cover such diverse areas as community development how to run a business, IT Training and workshops for enterprise. Courses leading to an accredited qualification in community development, for example, may also be assisted.

Innovative Rural Enterprises, Craft Enterprises and Local Services/ Facilities

Assistance may be given to new or expanding small business. The types of eligible activities may include diversification of farming activities, development of fishing and aquaculture, exploitation of the timber resources in the area, food product development, craft, and information technology, as well as innovative services in Rural areas.

Enhancement of the Natural/ Built/ Social/ Cultural Environment

Community and voluntary groups which have proposals relating to town and village enhancement, development of local natural resources, renovation of old buildings of character for community use etc., may apply for assistance to carry out the project, providing such a project fits into an overall local development plan.

Rural Tourism and Agri-Tourism

Local groups can be assisted to draw up local tourism development and marketing plans. These can include such elements as training, accommodation, development of lakeside, riverside or woodland amenities, angling, exploitation of heritage and culture, new festivals and marketing. Individuals whose projects fit in with such plans can be assisted in developing their ideas.

Support and Application

What Types Of Support Are Available?

Support may be given in a number of ways. These include provision of business advice and training; grants for new marketing assistance, for development studies and capital grants.

Who May Apply?

Any Individual, Community Group or business resident in and based in the South West Mayo area may apply. These include limited companies, co-operative societies, individuals, partnerships, community groups etc.

What Types Of Projects Can Not Be Assisted?

There are a number of categories which may not be assisted under the National Rural Development Programme. These include housing, hotels, healthcare, land or buildings purchase, distribution or other conventional services, vehicles, mobile equipment, conventional agriculture, primary agricultural processing, higher education and projects which qualify for assistance through any other scheme or programme.

What Is The Maximum Level Of Grant Which Can Be Made Under the National Rural Development Programmme?

Feasibility studies may be assisted to a maximum of ¤ 7500 at a maximum grant rate of 80% for Community Organisations and 50% for private individuals or businesses. Capital Projects will have an overall grant limit of ¤ 65,000. The maximum rate of grant cannot in any event exceed 50%.

On Farm tourism accommodation may be supported at 40%, to a maximum of ¤25,000 per application. Off farm rural tourism accommodation may be supported at 30%, to a maximum of ¤25,000 per application.

How Do I apply For Assistance?

Information packs including application forms are available from the company's office. If you have a project which may qualify and for which you wish to seek assistance you should telephone, write or call into the office.