The importance of supporting local communities has been highlighted with the success of the Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme (RMCGS) 2021.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots visited Anahilt in Co Down to see the benefits of the grant aid first hand.

Anahilt Primary School received funding from DAERA's 2021 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme, as a result of a successful application by the Anahilt Primary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA is a registered charity which host events for the Anahilt community, bringing people together to aid and support the education and well-being of children in the locality.

In addition to this funding, Anahilt Primary School also received £8,250 from DAERA's School Garden Pollinator Scheme to create a wildflower area; plant pollinator plants and to provide seating areas for pupils and staff to enjoy the green areas. The school is also going to purchase gardening tools to maintain the garden.

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Minister Poots said: "As a result of funding from my Department's 2021 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme, the PTA has been able to purchase four iPad's and a sensory lamp to provide increased health and wellbeing for those in the community with additional needs. This PTA project is a wonderful example of supporting local communities to address needs they identify within their own area and fostering a community spirit from the projects supported from my Department through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.

"In total 672 projects have been funded, with £778,000 invested to projects focussing on the three key themes identified as contributory factors to poverty and social isolation - the modernisation (of existing premises/assets); Information and Communications Technology; and Improvements to health and wellbeing. Projects like these provide tremendous benefits to local rural community and voluntary groups."