04 March 2009 Gildernew opens workshop on rural anti poverty and social inclusion framework

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today further outlined her proposals to deliver a £10million fund to address rural poverty and exclusion.

Speaking at a workshop being held as part of the ongoing public consultation on the draft Rural Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Framework the Minister said: “Tackling rural poverty and promoting social inclusion are key policy priorities for me personally. The input into the development of this framework from key rural stakeholders has been invaluable in identifying key issues which contribute to poverty and social exclusion in rural areas. The issues identified of fuel poverty, childcare, rural transport and community development have been supplemented by a Rural Challenge Programme to allow communities themselves to identify and address issues surrounding poverty and exclusion.

“The economic climate has changed from when the need for this framework was first identified, with the impact on rural communities compounded by the nature of rural living, the reliance on cars and the ability to access equitable services.

“This workshop today offers the chance for rural representatives to highlight their ongoing concerns, identify new issues and ensure that the funds are targeted effectively to produce a real and ongoing impact on rural people’s lives.”

The workshop, held at CAFRE Loughry Campus, attracted a wide range of interested bodies from local government, rural stakeholder groups, voluntary and community sector.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Programme for Government has made a commitment to address rural poverty and disadvantage and has allocated DARD a £10million package to address these issues over the next three years.

2. The Public consultation opened on the 26 January for eight weeks until the 23 March. A shortened consultation was agreed to reflect both the stakeholder input during development and desire to meet needs quickly.

3. The framework can be viewed at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations To obtain a copy, or to request an alternative format e.g. in large print, Braille, disc, audiocassette and other languages, please contact;
DARD Rural Policy Branch
Rm 404 Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3SB
Telephone (028) 9052 4598
Textphone (028) 9052 4420
Or by emailing: ruralpolicy.branch@dardni.gov.uk

4. The consultation will run for eight weeks until 23 March, at the end of the consultation period copies of all comments received will be made available on the Department’s website.

5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.