An event has taken place at Newry's Killeavy Castle to mark the success of the Rural Development 'LEADER' Programme.

Led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the programme supported community projects across Northern Ireland.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots attended the event to recognise Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership's success in delivering the local works.

In total, 76 projects across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area received funding, with 14 community facilities developed or refurbished and over 33,000 people benefitting from support under the village renewal measure.

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Speaking at the event, Minister Poots said: "I want to congratulate the members of the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership for their work in delivering Priority 6 of the NI Rural Development 'LEADER' Programme. This programme has provided £15million worth of investment in local rural areas, which has improved people's lives by creating over 160 new jobs, supporting village renewal and improving infrastructure."

The Chairperson of MGL, Roisin Mulgrew commented: "The delivery of this programme has brought significant benefits to the rural dwellers of Newry, Mourne and Down and is testament to the dedication of the Local Action Group. The knowledge of the members has ensured projects of high quality have been supported, which have positively impacted on the lives of the rural dwellers."

Councillor Cathy Mason, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council added: "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's partnership with the Local Action Group and DAERA has been extremely successful in the delivery of this Programme. The positive impacts have ensured a strong rural economy, providing dwellers with access to high quality community facilities, towns and villages they can be proud to call home."