South West College has been awarded €3.5 million in funding to support rural communities.

In collaboration with a consortium of partners, the college received the PEACEPLUS funding to launch the Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment (STRIDE) programme.

The initiative, aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, sees the college partner with Alacrity, Atlantic Technological University, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, and Ulster University.

STRIDE will operate from two innovation hubs: The Workhouse in Enniskillen, and The HIVE in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The programme aims to tackle societal and economic challenges using digital technologies.

Gina McIntyre, chief executive of SEUPB, said: "Congratulations to the three truly innovative and transformative projects awarded PEACEPLUS funding today."

Celine McCartan, principal and chief executive of South West College, said: "This funding allows us and our partners to co-create digital solutions with local citizens, helping to address the specific challenges facing rural communities.

"By supporting their long-term sustainability and encouraging regional balance, we can make a real impact."

Over the next four years, STRIDE will engage more than 1,000 rural citizens and key public agencies through a Design Thinking programme.

This initiative will help communities identify pressing local issues and co-develop digital solutions, leading to the development of 88 challenge projects.