RDC: Celebrating 18 years of Rural Development (31/07/09)
31 July 2009
RDC celebrates 18 years developing rural areas in Northern Ireland.
RDC was established on the 31st July 1991 as part of Government’s commitment to rural development and in particular to meet the needs of rural communities in Northern Ireland.
Coming of age is a major milestone for anyone. But for us it is a chance to celebrate our achievements and to outline our future.
Our work in rural development continues and has opened new opportunities for us to engage in a broader range of regeneration activities including work in our towns and cities.
We take this opportunity to everyone in the sector for their ongoing support and involvement with us and look forward to the future and to the next key milestone.
To celebrate our 18th Birthday here are 18 key achievements of RDC in our 18 years!
RDC was established in 1991 by Government and in April 2009 became a fully independent organisation.
RDC is managed by an Executive Board of 9 and 3 Non Executive Directors.
RDC is chaired by Dr Arthur Mitchell OBE. Dr Ruth McAreavey is Vice Chair.
RDC Council members input over 300 hours of voluntary labour per year.
RDC has offices in Cookstown and Belfast.
RDC acts as an agent for the International Fund for Ireland in both rural and urban areas and on a cross border basis.
RDC manages the Rural Network for Northern Ireland established to support the effective delivery of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme.
RDC is part of a consortium responsible for delivering a programme of support to farmers and farm family members to enhance the viability of their farm business.
RDC works in partnership with Calor to deliver Calor Village of the Year in Northern Ireland.
RDC has contributed to the delivery of the 3 Rural Development Programmes in Northern Ireland.
RDC has completed 3 rural baseline reports bringing together key statistics and information about rural Northern Ireland.
RDC has worked in and influenced programme delivery in emerging EU regions.
RDC engages and participates in stakeholder discussions that inform rural policy.
RDC offers a Geographic Information Service (GIS) in support of a rural evidence base.
RDC works with a range of organisations and people including central and local government, statutory and public bodies, private and not for profit sectors.
RDC is contributing to the development of the Rural White Paper, Rural Proofing and Rural Champion.
RDC designed and developed the first Rural Proofing Checklist for use by Government.
RDC has managed and administered over £36 million in funding to over 1500 projects since 1991.
