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Welcome to SWARD

SWARD (South West Action for Rural Development) is the delivery mechanism for Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 for the four District Council areas of Cookstown, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Fermanagh and Magherafelt.

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

At the local level, the programme is strategically delivered by a Joint Council Committee (JCC) representing all four Councils and implemented by a Local Action Group (LAG) comprised of local Councillors and Social Partner representatives.

Cookstown District Council acts as the Lead Council with responsibility for all financial and administrative matters.

Through SWARD, the Rural Development Programme offers a fantastic opportunity to support rural communities and enterprises to diversify into non-agricultural activities, support business creation, encourage tourism activities, village renewal, improve access to basic services and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

South West Action for Rural Development Ltd (SWARD) wishes to recruit Voluntary Directors to fill two recent vacancies.

The new Directors will be nominated by social partner organisations, agencies and bodies representing the private sector, trade unions, community and voluntary sector and the agriculture and rural development sector.

The following provisions shall apply:

Nominees

• Shall reside in or have some other relationship with the Cookstown District Council area
• Must be prepared to fulfil the duties associated with membership of the Local Action Group (LAG). The main duties include attendance at monthly meetings, assessment panels and sub group meetings.
  • Must be willing to undertake training as required by DARD and SWARD.
  • Must be willing to submit him/her self to the selection process.

SWARD welcomes nominees from the Section 75 Groupings.

In the event of more than two nominations being received, SWARD will initiate a selection process.

Nominations must be submitted in writing to Ms May Devlin, SWARD Ltd Co Secretary, c/o Gortalowry House, Cookstown BT80 8HX not later than Tuesday 30^th October.   Click to download a Nomination form or telephone Susan at 028 867 64714.