Latest news with #Rural
West Australian
a day ago
- Health
- West Australian
Health professionals and community members to address evolving needs of regional communities at ECU forum
Health professionals, researchers and community members will converge at Edith Cowan University in Bunbury on Friday in a bid to address the evolving needs of southern regional communities in WA. The South Regional Health Research Forum 2025 on June 6 — hosted by the South Regional Health Research Collaborative — will focus on health research tailored for the region. South Regional Health Research Collaborative chair and ECU professor Beth Armstrong said the theme of this year's forum was Improving Rural Health Our Way — Partnering Together in Research. 'The forum provides a unique opportunity to learn about research projects, share insights and contribute to impactful health initiatives across the southern regions,' she said. 'A local approach of targeted health research, collaboration and action facilitates better health outcomes for regional communities.' Themes to be explored include ageing well in the South West, researching long-term health conditions in the regions, improving access to mental health support and culturally secure research in Aboriginal health. The community as well as health professionals are invited to attend the event which will run from 9.30am to 5pm. Tickets are available online.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
€50 million plan to create 5,000 jobs in Ireland's West and North West unveiled
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary officially launched the Western Development Commission's new five-year strategy 'Unlocking Potential, Driving Change: A Strategy for Regional Growth and Collaboration 2025–2029' in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The strategy outlines a roadmap to position Ireland's West and North West as national leaders in innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, with collaboration at its core. The strategy marks the next phase in the WDC's evolution, building on over 25 years of impact across enterprise, investment, and community development. It reflects a confident, tested regional model, now entering its most ambitious chapter. Minister Dara Calleary said: 'This is a roadmap for real impact. It shows how strategic collaboration and local leadership can turn national ambition into local opportunity. The Western Region is not waiting for change - it plans to shape it. The strategy aligns with Our Rural Future, the Governments rural development policy, and reinforces this Government's commitment to balanced regional growth, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity across Ireland.' 'This is not a new beginning, it's the next step,' said Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC. 'We've co-created a strategy that is both ambitious and grounded in what already works. In the years ahead, talent, not geography will shape the West's future. But talent needs the right conditions to thrive. That's why this strategy focuses on investing in high-potential companies, supporting resilient communities, and testing scalable solutions for rural Ireland. From AI to climate action, social enterprise to creative industries—we're building the platforms to turn regional potential into long-term impact.' The strategy is structured around four interconnected growth drivers—each designed to deliver outcomes: Heritage – safeguarding cultural and natural assets while fostering innovation rooted in place. Horizons – embracing global opportunities and scaling sectors like MedTech, renewable energy, AgriTech, and the creative economy. Harnessing Talent – supporting flexible work, digital skills, AI readiness, and inclusive careers across all life stages. Hubs – enabling collaboration and connectivity through a dynamic network of physical and digital infrastructure. To translate ambition into measurable impact, the strategy sets out a suite of key targets for 2025–2029, including: Investing €50 million in the region—€35 million through the WDC's evergreen Investment Fund and €15 million from EU funding sources. Supporting the creation of 5,000 jobs through enterprise and regional development projects. Reaching 400 Connected Hubs and evolving the network as a platform to deliver AI upskilling, digital transformation, and climate action directly into communities. Delivering over 100 high-impact projects across SMEs, social enterprises, and the creative sector through the Investment Fund and supporting a further 1,000 SMEs through EU-funded programmes. Reaching an annual audience of 1 million through initiatives that globally promote the Western Region. Eugene Cummins, Chairperson of the WDC, said: 'Unlocking regional potential takes more than investment, it takes cohesion. This strategy is a product of deep collaboration across sectors and communities. It reframes rural Ireland not as the periphery, but as a place of real and rising potential.' Over the next five years, the WDC will work closely with government departments, local authorities, enterprise agencies, communities, and academic institutions to ensure the region progresses as a unified whole, while recognising that different areas, particularly the Northwest, require tailored approaches. In a time of rapid change, where the way we work, climate resilience, and evolving technologies are reshaping every region, Unlocking Potential, Driving Change lays the foundation for inclusive, resilient, and future-focused growth. It is a strategy that brings policy, people, and possibility into alignment for the West, and for the country. The Western Development Commission operates under the auspices of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wealden projects receive share of more than £42,000 in funding
Twelve projects in Wealden have been given a share of more than £42,000. The funding was allocated by Wealden District Council's Infrastructure and Community Spaces Grants programme. The programme, which is part of the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund, aims to improve local infrastructure, community spaces, and create more accessible, sustainable environments. In the second round of the programme, £42,878.86 was allocated to support various projects. These include the addition of picnic benches and parasols at East Dean and Friston Cricket Club, the installation of a stair-climber for improved accessibility by Horam Parish Council, and enhancements to pathways with non-slip surfaces at Uckfield Millennium Green. The Nutley Memorial Trust introduced solar battery storage at the War Memorial Hall, while Forest Row Parish Council created an accessible pathway to the playground. Wadhurst Parish Council improved the woodland area by purchasing benches, a dog waste bin, and bird and bat boxes. Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and leader of the council, said: "It's really rewarding to run programmes like this and be able to support local organisations with funding that makes a real difference. "This investment helps preserve and improve valued areas across our district. "From sports clubs and community centres to green spaces and nature areas, it's all about ensuring that our residents have access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable places that support both wellbeing and community life." The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a new £110 million, two-year capital fund from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs. It has enabled councils to support projects in rural areas of the district. The full list of the organisations awarded funding for 2024/25 can be found on the Wealden District Council website.
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Indian Express
Madhya Pradesh official embezzled Rs 13 crore meant for Swachh Bharat scheme: Probe
An internal investigation by the Betul district administration in Madhya Pradesh has revealed embezzlement and financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 13.21 crore in the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) scheme in Bhimpur and Chicholi Janpad Panchayats. Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), a centrally sponsored scheme, is administered at the district level in Betul, a tribal dominated district in southern Madhya Pradesh, by the District Panchayat and implemented through Janpad and Gram Panchayats. Activities under the scheme include the construction of toilets, garbage carts, soak pits, composting units, and other waste management infrastructure. Payments are processed via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), with funds transferred to Gram Panchayats, implementation agencies, or beneficiaries after technical and administrative approval. On March 6, discrepancies were found in payments made to Rajendra Singh Parihar, a block coordinator of the scheme, prompting the Collector and the CEO of the District Panchayat to order an investigation. The CEO of Bhimpur Janpad Panchayat conducted a formal inquiry, while verbal directions were given to the CEO of Chicholi Janpad Panchayat to look into similar issues during Parihar's posting there. According to investigators, during his tenure in Chicholi (November 2, 2021 to March 5, 2025) and Bhimpur (January 31, 2023 to October 24, 2024), Parihar allegedly facilitated unauthorised payments amounting to Rs 13,21,71,220. A scrutiny of bank transfers revealed that the payments were made to a construction firm, an auto firm and bank accounts based in Indore and Waraseoni, according to the investigation. The probe also showed that no work related to these payments was carried out in Betul district, no technical or administrative approvals were issued, and no related documents were maintained in the office. The district administration has alleged that Parihar employed the use of two computer operators to misuse the 'digital signature certificate' of the CEO for the Swachh Bharat Mission scheme 'without the permission or knowledge of the CEO, possibly from a location outside the Janpad Panchayat offices, to facilitate unauthorised and fraudulent financial transactions'. Betul Superintendent of Police Nishchal N Jhariya told The Indian Express that Parihar is absconding and that an FIR was registered on March 19 against 12 persons under sections related to cheating. 'Parihar is absconding in this case. We have not arrested anyone, and an SIT is looking through government records to make a watertight case. There is a possibility that more government officials will be made accused in the case and the amount (of money involved) may also increase,' the SP said. Betul Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi acknowledged that the accused had taken advantage of some loopholes. 'The digital signature certificate was misused, and when the amount was siphoned off, we did not receive any OTP alerts,' Suryavanshi told The Indian Express. Suryavanshi said the government has begun monthly reviews of all development works carried out in the district. 'We have already initiated disciplinary action against the accused. His property has been identified, and we will recover the stolen amount. Furthermore, we are plugging the loopholes. All digital signatures will be secured in pendrives by officials, and a monitoring team is reviewing all development work to ensure this doesn't happen again,' he said.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
Minister: ‘Agriculture is the core of rural Ireland'
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary has said that agriculture is 'the core of rural Ireland' both economically and socially. The minister was speaking in the Dáil this week about the steps being taken to address rural depopulation, by encouraging young people to remain in, or return to, rural areas. Minister Calleary outlined that the government's Our Rural Future policy for sustainable rural development seeks to ensure that all rural areas are attractive for people to live, work, and raise families in. In response, Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack claimed that the continuing loss of young people from rural areas is 'deeply worrying'. He said: 'The truth is that we are educating our children to live elsewhere. We equip them with the skills, ambition and drive but the jobs, housing and services they need to build a future in the locality are not in place. 'This trend is affecting everything – from school enrolments to local businesses and the fabric of rural community life. The longer it continues, the harder it becomes to reverse,' he added. Rural Ireland Deputy McCormack also highlighted the sharp decline in the number of young farmers in rural Ireland, and in his constituency. He believes that farming is 'the backbone' of rural life, but fewer young people see it as a viable future due to high entry costs, housing challenges and limited local supports. 'This is not just about agriculture, it shows how rural Ireland is becoming less accessible for the next generation. If we do not act, we will not just be losing farmers, but community leaders, volunteers and local families that hold rural life together,' Deputy McCormack said. 'I urge the department to recognise that rural regeneration depends on a strong, diverse rural economy, one that includes farming, but also services, trades and small enterprises.' Minister Calleary said that he will engage with farming organisations as part of the consultation process on Our Rural Future. He said: 'I assure Deputy McCormack that the involvement of young people in rural Ireland is core to this consultation process, because the process would be much weaker without their involvement and input. 'I welcome any deputy or senator who provides a targeted response on how we can support young people to remain in or to come back to rural Ireland to establish a business,' Minister Calleary added.
