Date extended for rural broadband initiative

Rural communities can now bid for a share of a one million-Euro (€1m) fund, which presently amounts to approximately £800,000, to bring enhanced broadband to their areas.  The new investment which is being delivered by the LEADER 2007-2013 programme supports small-scale, community driven projects in rural areas and aims to improve coverage and bring faster broadband to rural communities.

This latest announcement of support under SRDP means that communities will have the opportunity to define the broadband needs for their area and develop a project which meets these needs. It will then be for the Local Action Groups to assess the merits of these applications and bid to the Challenge Fund to take these forward.

“Local principles”

Projects should be in keeping with the LEADER principles and applications made should highlight the positive rural development impact which they consider improved broadband access would bring.  In particular applications are sought from communities where there is presently no broadband coverage their area.

Furthermore no match funding is required, i.e. 100% costs can be applied for through the Challenge Fund.

Examples of potential projects include:

• community groups wishing to upgrade exchanges
• pilot projects into next generation broadband
• supporting a business collective to access better broadband

The deadline for applications has now been extended to allow more communities the opportunity to apply for the funding and the LEADER Innse Gall Local Action Group are inviting applications and enquiries from communities throughout the Outer Hebrides by 17 September 2010.

As broadband projects have to follow the LEADER national and local principles for further information on the programme can be obtained at www.outerhebridesleader.co.uk or by calling 01851 709248/ 01870 603860..

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