Transnational Co-Operation

All LAGs are required to participate fully in co-operation activities.

This involves co-operation and networking activities at the Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, island of Ireland and European Union Levels

Projects can be implemented at either inter-territorial (within member state) or transnational (between territories in several member states).  

A number of LAG members have been involved in various regional, national and international cooperation and networking projects over the previous rural development programmes.

Strong partnerships have been formed with other areas and other LEADER groups to deliver both successful and innovative projects, through Craigavon Armagh Rural Development (CARD) and Newry & Mourne LAG, LEADER companies.

This was during the period from 1995 to the present (LEADER II & LEADER+).

Tourism E-Commerce Training – CARD in association with SW Mayo (ROI) and Rural Stirling (Scotland)

Women’s Development Programme – CARD and Rural Down Partnership

Micro Business Reducing Risks – CARD and Newry & Mourne LEADER with 10 other NI LAGs

European Micro Business Network - Newry & Mourne LEADER and Louth, Waterford, Aisiperi (Finland), Vastese Inn D’Abruzzo (Italy), Pays de Morlaix (France), Joutsenten Reitti (Finland) & Oost Drenthe (Netherlands)

Craft Development - Newry & Mourne LEADER and Chambre de Netiers Corse du Sud (Corsica)

Investigation of interventions in Newry & Mourne – LEADER and URFOL (France),

Assistance to youth in rural areas – Almeria local authority (Spain), FODPAC (France), LADYSS (Local authority France), AETO (Portugal), AEJ (Youth group Hungary)

SOAR hope to build on the skills and experience in previous co-operation activities and actively engage in the development of further projects through NIRDP.