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Introduction
Before completing an application form, applicants
should make themselves aware of the general principles
of the LEADER + Programme, the specific support which
may be available and be aware of maximum funding available
through LEADER +. Due to the limited amount of funds
available, it will not be possible to support all
applications that are eligible to apply. Priority
will be given to those projects which best reflect
the aims and objectives of the LEADER + Programme
and which meet the priorities laid down by the Board
of Directors.
Priority
Themes
- The use of
new know-how and new technologies to make the products
and services of rural areas more competitive;
- Adding value
to the local products, in particular by facilitating
access to markets for small production units, via
collective action.
Eligibility
The Northern Ireland LEADER + Programme is not designed
to provide assistance to Community Groups or Community
based projects, statutory agencies or local authorities.
The programme is aimed at micro-business, with an
emphasis on economic activity and enterprise i.e.
the creation of new and expansion of existing enterprises,
the creation of new jobs and sustaining existing jobs
as well as the generation of additional and alternative
incomes in rural areas. (Please note that businesses
with more than 10 employees are not eligible).
Area Eligible
All rural areas of Newry and Mourne District with
exception of Newry City, Kilkeel Town and Warrenpoint
Town (i.e. Cities and Towns in excess of 5000 population).
Rate of Aid
The maximum rate of financial aid will be 50 % of
the total eligible cost, with the exception for training
which may be at a rate of 100 %. The decision will
be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Ceiling or Financial Assistance
Please note that a maximum financial aid ceiling of
£50,000 will apply to all LEADER + projects.
It is anticipated that the maximum aid will not be
awarded frequently.
De minimus
Project promoters will be asked for details of other
aid received in the past three years to determine
if any of this aid is 'de minimus' (European Union
Funds). The maximum allowance of 'de minimus' financial
aid is Euro 100,000 over three years.
Deadweight/Displacement
Particular attention will be given to the avoidance
of financially aiding projects which are capable of
proceeding without aid, or which simply result in
the displacement of a similar enterprise elsewhere
within Newry and Mourne District.
Emphasis
The LEADER Company will consider projects by reference
to the following:
- the project
promoter must show there is a market for the proposed
product or service and that the project will be
capable of attaining economic viability;
- the project
has the capacity to create new direct employment
either full or part-time or seasonal, or should
as a minimum contribute directly to the maintenance
of employment in existing micro-enterprises.
- there will
be adequate overall finance available to the promoter
to fund the project;
- the project
can demonstrate innovation in product and/or process.
Ineligible
Costs
Items which are not eligible for assistance are:
- second hand
equipment (unless it provides a particular advantage)
- the purchase
of land and buildings
- motor vehicles
or mobile equipment
- residential
housing
- loans/own labour
costs
- normal business
costs (eg postage, telephone etc.)
- construction
of new houses / repairs / renewals in existing accommodation
- only fixed
items in relation to tourism;
- conventional
retail or other distributive services such as restaurants,
garages, hairdressing, and domestic or dry cleaning;
- conventional
agricultural practices and related activities (farm
supplies, inputs and services, and measures to improve
the breeding quality of production output)
- purchase of
conventional farm livestock, livestock marts, AI
Services or milk recording.
- small scale
primary processing in the meat and dairy sectors
- christmas tree
production
- poultry or
egg projects
- ostrich breeding
or marketing
- horticultural
production (including mushrooms) and related marketing
activities unless they can be shown to be clearly
innovative
- working capital
including stock.
- primary processing
(e.g. simple packaging etc. of a primary product
will not be eligible).
Environmental
Concerns
Projects require to confirm to 'Good Farming Practice
with regard to the Environment' and comply with existing
environmental legislation and regulations.
Project Commencement
Projects will not receive aid if work has commenced
on the proposed project in advance of a letter of
offer being accepted and returned to the LEADER +
Company.
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