Activity centre receives £5k funding boost

Activity centre receives £5k funding boost

14 May 2025

THE Strangford Lough Activity Centre based in Killinchy has secured a £5,000 boost courtesy of the Rural Business Development Grant.

The local centre was one of a number of 763 organisations from across the province to secure a slice of the £2.6m funding cake up for grabs.

Stormont Environment Minister Andrew Muir visited the centre to see at first hand the positive impacts the grant has had.

“I’m delighted to announce that 763 rural businesses across Northern Ireland have received grants totalling £2.6m to support their sustainability and growth. 

“These small capital grants encourage rural businesses to invest in expanding their operations, provide additional services, innovate, enter new markets, stay competitive and, in many cases, create employment opportunities.”

Ards and North Down Mayor Alistair Cathcart thanked the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the financial support that enabled the delivery of the rural grant in Ards and North Down.

He said: “The scheme has successfully supported businesses within our rural areas to continue to innovate, expand, and thrive.

“This was a valuable opportunity to deliver essential support to our local businesses, demonstrating 

both DAERA’s and the council’s commitment to fostering vibrant rural communities.”