Friday 16th May 2025 marked the launch of Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment (STRIDE), a €3.5 million cross-border initiative designed to tackle the unique challenges facing rural communities in Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim, and Sligo.

Operating from The Workhouse in Enniskillen and The HIVE in Carrick-on-Shannon, STRIDE will embed specialist teams within rural communities to deliver digital solutions that improve services, strengthen resilience, and promote long-term sustainability.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), STRIDE brings together a powerful partnership of Alacrity Foundation, Atlantic Technological University, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, South West College, and Ulster University, with a shared vision to empower rural citizens through innovation and technology.

Key outcomes of the programme include:

  • Tackling 88 rural-specific challenges using cutting-edge digital technologies;
  • Delivering eight transformational projects with significant local impact;
  • Engaging over 1,000 citizens through a bespoke Design Thinking Programme.

STRIDE is expected to deliver lasting benefits, including improved transport and healthcare access, expanded education and tourism opportunities, enhanced environmental protection, and reduced social isolation.

By working closely with local communities and statutory agencies, STRIDE aims to create a multiplier effect across the wider PEACEPLUS Programme area, helping close the gap between rural and urban communities.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir MLA said: “The Smart Towns and Villages investment area is bringing an exciting approach to providing greater access to digital technologies, particularly in terms of helping create a rural community where people want to live, work, be active and prosper in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

“I am therefore very pleased that my Department is working in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development in the Republic of Ireland and SEUPB, in providing funding for this investment area under the PEACEPLUS programme.

“I am delighted to note that the STRIDE Programme aims to address key societal challenges specific to rural areas through the application of digital solutions. I wish South West College and its partners every success in delivering this impressive programme in the Fermanagh, Omagh, Leitrim and Sligo Council areas, collaborating and co-designing with local rural communities to bring about real positive social and economic impacts in the future.”

Minister of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who played a role in the advancement of the STRIDE project. This initiative has recently secured funding approval of almost €3.5 million from the European Union's PEACEPLUS programme.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the lead partner, South West College, as well as the Associate Partner and Project Partners, for their dedication and hard work in preparing the application and for their forthcoming involvement in the implementation of the project.

“The Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area aims to enhance the socio-economic inclusion of marginalised and low-income households, as well as disadvantaged individuals and communities. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and strengthen our communities for long-term sustainability.

“I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, will extend support for this exceptional project. The successful execution of this initiative will yield long-term advantages for the region”.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Delivering Socio-Economic Regeneration and Transformation, economic development in post-conflict regions is crucial to underpin peace.

I am delighted to be here for the launch of STRIDE. This project is being funded under PEACEPLUS , Smart Towns and Villages, which was designed to support the creation of nine jointly developed solutions for Smart Cities, Towns and Villages and to incorporate digital hubs.

“STRIDE will support rural communities to identify the challenges they face and develop their own innovative, ICT-based solutions to respond to the real challenges of digital exclusion in rural areas.

“It will equip rural communities with the tools to connect and collaborate and strengthens the social fabric that underpins lasting peace and it sets out to reinforce the core goals of the PEACEPLUS programme – supporting positive peace building, resilience, and regeneration. I look forward to watching the project develop.”

Celine McCartan Principal and Chief Executive South West College welcomed the official launch of the STRIDE programme: South West College services a large rural community across the counties of Fermanagh and Tyrone, the introduction of STRIDE enhances the support the College can provide to citizens and community groups, harnessing leading edge digital technologies to address the challenges faced by rural communities across our own catchment area and in counties Leitrim and Sligo. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to deliver real and tangible impacts for citizens and promote regional balance.