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Projects funded by SOAR (Southern Organisation for Action in Rural areas) attracted a lot of interest at the recent Balmoral Showl
The organisation has now awarded over £13 million to farming businesses, organisations and communities across Armagh, Craigavon and Newry & Mourne District Council areas.
Led by Craigavon Borough Council, Armagh City & District Council and Newry & Mourne Council, SOAR delivers funding from the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to projects relating to farm diversification, growing rural businesses, encouraging tourism, developing new rural community services and telling the cultural heritage story.
A project that applied under SOAR’s Farm Diversification measure was Willowtree Cottage Timber Products, based in Annalong. They received over £6000 of funding to purchase a range of machinery which would allow them to expand their product range and increase their productivity.
Elaine Cullen Manager of SOAR stated “I would like to congratulate the Tiernan family on their successful business diversification. This is an excellent example of a farming family gaining the necessary financial assistance from SOAR to make their business idea a reality. As manager of SOAR I wish the Tiernan’s the very best in the future development of their business.”
William Sullivan wanted to branch out into refurbishing and manufacturing small agricultural machines. He also wanted to offer an on/off site shot cleaning and spray painting service of farm equipment. He applied to SOAR in 2011 and was awarded over £11,000 to purchase equipment for his new diversification project.
Wilmur and Roberta McCrum own the farm diversification business McCrum Carriage Hire. McCrum Carriage Hire has been a going concern for over 10 years and has built their customer base, by improving the quality and adaptability of their equipment and branching into new markets. They applied to SOAR in 2011 to purchase equipment that would enable them to maximise revenue from new business opportunities. The McCrum’s application was successful and SOAR granted them funding of £32,000. They can now supply carriages for the wedding, tourist and Christmas trade.
Local Councillor Sean O’Hare Chairperson of SOAR JCC said “SOAR is on hand to deliver grant aid on behalf of the Rural Development Programme, throughout the rural communities of Newry and Mourne, Armagh and Craigavon Council areas. There are offices in Craigavon Borough Council Civic Centre, Armagh City and District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council area to make it is easy for you to meet with our staff to talk through your project ideas and discuss what the process will involve”.
If you are interested in receiving an information pack, please contact the SOAR central office on 028 3831 2573, visit our website www.soarni.org for more information or follow us on Facebook.
