Cross-border initiative granted €3.97m to work on rural renewal

A new cross‑community and cross‑border initiative has been granted €3.97m to invest in rural renewal.

The Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) project is an initiative designed to put social enterprise at the centre of sustainable rural development in order to drive sustainability, innovation, and long‑term growth.

The ‘Unlocking the Potential of Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) project’ is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The project brings together a multi-stakeholder partnership comprising of Rural Action, which will lead the initiative along with partners Irish Rural Link, Scotland Social Enterprise Academy, and Social Enterprise NI (SENI), with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner.

Through networking, events, and activities, RiSE will encourage and facilitate collaboration between rural communities on a cross-border and cross-community basis.

Participating groups and organisations will benefit from shared learning and tailored training designed to maximise income generation, strengthen long‑term sustainability, and widen access to essential community services.

A dedicated element of the project will also focus on inspiring the next generation of social entrepreneurs through a programme of youth-focused training and collaboration.

RiSE project

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said he was pleased that his department was involved in funding the RiSE project, which he said will “build on a connected, collaborative cross‑border community”.

“Through its three strands, RiSE will strengthen rural social enterprise organisations, support new social enterprise initiatives and provide opportunities for young people to design and lead meaningful social action.

“RiSE will help rural areas to thrive by enhancing skills, confidence and capacity, which will contribute to creating strong, sustainable rural communities where people can live, work and prosper,” the minister added.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in creating the RiSE project.

He said: “I am happy that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, working together with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, will continue to provide assistance for this remarkable project.

“This project will bring lasting advantages to the area,” Minister Calleary added.

Cross-border services

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said that significant developments have been made in the provision of collaborative cross-border services in recent years, providing equality of opportunity for citizens in rural areas.

She said: “The PEACEPLUS-funded RiSE project strengthens the social and economic fabric of rural communities across our region and these initiatives increase wellbeing and reduce social isolation in rural areas.

“By investing in developing approaches to social enterprise and innovation, we are helping communities work together across borders and traditions, creating opportunities that build trust and future economic opportunities.

“Projects like RiSE are vital to peace building because they turn shared challenges into shared solutions, with co-operation and inclusion at the heart of community life.”

Teresa Canavan, Rural Action chief executive, observed that the RiSE programme brings together the powerful strands designed to strengthen and inspire rural communities.

She said: “Through social enterprise leadership and development, we are equipping people with the skills, confidence, and capacity to take forward meaningful social enterprise activity.

“Making it happen focuses on turning ideas into action, offering practical support and guidance to help projects grow and succeed.

“With our youth social enterprise strand, we are empowering young people aged 14-25 to lead the way in shaping a sustainable future through creativity and innovation.”

UFU secure manure submission deadline extension — Source: UFU

The RiSE programme is now open for expressions of interest from rural organisations wishing to take part. The closing date for the first round of applications is March 27.

The PEACEPLUS programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and has a total value of €1.14bn, to be delivered over the next four years.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the EU, the UK government, the Irish government, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

.editor-styles-wrapper .wp-block-acf-related-stories-block {
max-width: 960px !important;
background-color: var(–color-gray-default);
padding-inline: 40px;
padding-top: 8px !important;
padding-bottom: 20px !important;
}