Rural communities and small businesses across Northern Ireland—including right here in Omagh—are set to benefit from a major investment of £5.28 million in grants awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for 2024/2025.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the rollout of funding through two key initiatives: the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) and the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS). These schemes aim to strengthen rural areas by tackling poverty, social isolation, and supporting the growth of rural enterprises.
Speaking during a visit to Richmount Rural Community Association, a recipient of two RMCGS grants, Minister Muir praised the transformative impact of the funding. In total, 1,824 community organisations across Northern Ireland have received £2.94 million through RMCGS to support improvements such as energy efficiency, community spaces, and local wellbeing projects.
Locally, rural voluntary groups and community associations in the Fermanagh and Omagh district are encouraged to explore how these grants can support their initiatives—whether that’s refurbishing facilities or running projects that reduce isolation and improve mental health.
In addition, the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme provided £2.34 million to 695 small rural businesses, helping them invest in essential equipment, expand services, and even create employment. Grants of up to £4,999 covered up to 50% of capital costs for things like tools, machinery, and technology upgrades.
Minister Muir emphasised the importance of these schemes in building sustainable and thriving rural communities:
“Both the Rural Micro Capital and Business Development Grant Schemes are helping create places where people want to live, work and invest. This funding is a vital part of that vision.”
Businesses and organisations in the Omagh area that are working to make a difference in their rural communities are encouraged to watch for future funding rounds.
