County Derry Community Groups encouraged to apply for new scheme to kickstart capital projects

County Derry community groups are encouraged to apply for a share of £90,000 funding and advice to get the ball rolling on capital projects.

The Faughan, Sperrin and Derg Growth Partnership Boards of the Derry City and Strabane District Council will prioritise 15 projects in these areas

The Council will not provide any funding for these capital projects. The initiative will offer technical support to community organisations that would assist them in bringing the projects closer to being funding ready.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Sandra Duffy is encouraging community groups in the rural DEAs to get involved.

She said it is a unique opportunity for rural communities to get their capital projects scoped out and ready should a funding opportunity come available.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups in rural areas to get some specialist technical advice and assistance with their capital projects that will put them in a good position to avail of any funding opportunities that come up.

“It will help community groups be in a very strong position to take forward their capital project plans and deliver for their communities and I would encourage all community groups in these DEAs to avail of this opportunity and register an expression of interest.”

JM Consulting (NI) has been commissioned to look at the various capital projects currently being led by the community sector in these DEAs with a view to providing some technical support to help bring them forward.

Available support includes: the provision of technical advice and assistance such as business case development, feasibility studies, architect drawings and quantity surveyance.

JM Consulting will also work with the rural community sector organisations to help identify relevant funding.

Community organisations in the areas are invited to fill out an expression of interest form which is currently available on www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Rural/Rural-Development-Support and return it by 14th February at 12 noon.

In an effort to assist the community sector with this process, the Growth Partnership Boards are also hosting a series of roadshows and information sessions across a number of rural locations in February.

They include: the Diamond Centre in Claudy on Monday 6th February, from 7-9pm; Learmount Community Centre in Park on Tuesday 7th February from 7-9pm and Newtownstewart Centre 2000 in Newtownstewart on Wednesday 8th February from 7-9pm. Please register your attendance in advance, stating which roadshow you will attend by emailing jmconsultingni@outlook.com