agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA,
AGRICULTURE, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has delivered more than £180,000 in grant funding to three companies to help develop their businesses.
The Minister handed over letters confirming the funding while attending the Derry and Limavady Show at the weekend.
The grants are the first to be handed out under the Rural Business Investment Scheme.
Garvagh company A Farlow (Engineering) Ltd has been offered £90,000 towards construction of a new workshop.
An offer of £90,000 has been made to Currie Engineering Ltd, also of Garvagh, to help purchase specialist equipment.
And Ballymoney-based Agquip Ltd is to receive up to £6,005 to help take forward a digital marketing project.
Highlighting the benefits the funding will bring, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be handing over the first letters of offer under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to businesses in the Causeway Coast and Glens Local Action Group area.
“There is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent and potential in this area, and indeed across all of our rural communities – these three companies typify these qualities, and I wish them every success as they take their projects forward.
“Around £24million of support will be made available under the Rural Business Investment Scheme to help local businesses in rural areas grow and develop. I look forward to delivering more grants to rural companies around the province under this programme over the coming months.”
While at the Derry and Limavady Show the Minister also visited trade stands and viewed the judging of livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats.
The Minister also took the time to engage with the wide range of smaller stalls representing micro enterprises and home industries in fields such as food, crafts and flowers.
Speaking about her visit, the Minister said: “It is a great pleasure for me as Minister to attend the show and see at first-hand the offering here. The North West has a rich rural heritage and this is clear to see from the quality of the animals and food on show today.
“It is excellent to see participation not only by major concerns in the local agri-food sector, but also by smaller, home-based micro enterprises.
“The Londonderry and Limavady Show has been running for more than 70 years and has a wonderful family atmosphere.
“Large numbers enjoy a fantastic day out here every year and this is testament to the hard work and dedication of the show organisers.
“My thanks go to them for their hospitality and I offer them my best wishes for future success.”
