SWARD Rural Development Strategy Executive Summary

Introduction

This Local Rural Development Strategy represents the South West Local Action Group (SWARD) submission for Axes 3 and 4 funding under the NI Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013.

The Strategy has been developed working in partnership with the 4 District Councils (comprising Cookstown, Dungannon, Fermanagh and Magherafelt); the Joint Committee; the Local Action Group (LAG); local people and stakeholder organisations.

It has been designed to address the rural needs of the 4 Council areas and bring benefits to the 134,000 + rural people who live there.

Mission

SWARD’s Mission is:-

“To work in partnership to bring about positive change to rural areas of Cookstown, Dungannon, Fermanagh and Magherafelt by supporting and implementing regeneration initiatives that meet local need”

Vision, Aims and Objectives

The Partnership’s vision is one of sustainable growth and development.  By working in partnership it will strive to: -

Create a prosperous, modern rural economy

Build strong, sustainable and inclusive communities

Protect, enhance and look after the environment

To fulfil this vision the Partnership has developed a clear set of aims and specific measurable objectives.  These aims and objectives relate directly to the Partnership’s vision for delivery of axis 3 and 4 of the RDP.  Collectively these are designed to deliver economic (focus on Measures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3), social (focus on Measures 3.4 and 3.5) and environmental sustainability (focus on Measure 3.6 and renewable energy targets).

The vision, aims and objectives have been shaped on the aspirations and contributions of local people, the Joint Committee and the LAG.

They are built upon a set of core values and principles that the Partnership support and which capture the ethos of local delivery and the LEADER principles.

Delivery

Developing and maintaining linkages with external partners is crucial to the success of the strategy not least because of the need for the Partnership to draw upon other sources of funding and support if it is to realise fully its vision. Much more can be achieved by adopting a joint, collaborative approach in addressing the needs and realising the opportunities. 

A strong Partnership and strong corporate governance will be the foundation to success.