The Chair of Mid Ulster District Council has confirmed 250 businesses in the district are to get letters of offer from an Executive funded grant scheme announced just three weeks ago.
Speaking at August’s monthly meeting of Council, Council’s Chair, Cathal Mallaghan praised the work of council officers who have ensured the money made available will be reaching businesses in as timely a fashion as possible.
“Between rural and urban areas the pot for mid Ulster was worth £560,000,” he said.
“Six assessment panels have sat so far scoring 300 applications and I understand that letters of offer will be sent to 250 of those on Friday, August 28.
“That is a three week turnaround and I think that is a tremendous piece of work by Council officers. I understand we are the first Council across the north to be able to do that.”
Independent Councillor Dan Kerr welcomed the news but said the grant aid for rural businesses has not gone far enough.
“I have speaking to business owners who were going to apply for this funding and they were dismayed to read on the Council website that this grant had been fully committed,” said Cllr Kerr.
“I appreciate that a substantial sum of money was made available and the good work of council officers but unfortunately this is a drop in the ocean of what is required.”
“I would like to propose that officers lobby to try and seek further financial support for rural businesses please.”
In response the Chair said just like most other grants it is unfortunately a case of first come, first serve, though did suggest there may still be some hope for those businesses that have missed out.
“It is my understanding that another tranche will be made available in September,” said the Chair. “However, the information around that will be brought to September’s meeting of the development committee.”
