SIXTEEN groups from across rural Northern Ireland, including Dennett Interchange Ltd, Eskra Community Association, Beragh Care & Development Association, Derg Valley Care/Mournederg Partnership and Galbally Social & Economic Forum Ltd from Co Tyrone, are engaging in a programme of support designed to bring much needed services to the heart of their communities.
The 'Developing Rural Service Centre Hubs' pilot programme is now well into its second year and is an innovative programme designed to support, enhance and develop rural services. It is a joint programme by Rural Community Network (RCN) in partnership with the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (the Fund), EU Peace II Programme and the Carnegie Trust.
Michael Hughes, Director of Rural Community Network explained 'With the move towards the centralisation of services, rural communities need to explore methods of ensuring access to service providers within their areas using local amenities shared by the community'. Michael continued 'The Programme offers 16 local community organisations the opportunity to explore how services could be delivered in their area to enhance the both quality of life and sustainability of rural communities.'
Olga Gallagher, RDC Director of Programmes said: "Groups participating on the programme can apply for project funding helping to make their rural service solutions a reality. Examples of projects may include extensions to existing facilities to house outreach medical services such as the local GP or chiropodist; small scale renovations to accommodate greater use of existing community space in running outreach educational courses or providing access to a wide range of information services."
Speaking on behalf of the Fund, Chairman Denis Rooney added: "The Fund is particularly interested in supporting shared services, encouraging communities to work together to find appropriate and shared solutions. This programme recognises the need to develop and deliver partnership agreements on service delivery and the need for key reconciliation aspects of promoting shared services in a divided society were duplication of services often exists. The Fund looks forward to hearing the outcome of this programme and how lessons from this pilot can help inform our future thinking and contribute to meeting Fund objectives under its 'Sharing this Space' strategy." For further information, contact Mary McCrystal from Rural Community Network on 028 8676 6670 or email mary@ruralcommunitynetwork.org
