About STRIDE

Building Sustainable Rural Communities

STRIDE (Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment) was launched on 16th May 2025 with €3.5 Million PEACEPLUS support funding to create stronger, more connected rural communities in the border region using digital technologies.

We support the community, voluntary, sporting, and educational individuals, groups and organisations across Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim, and Sligo to identify challenges, facilitate person-centred co-design workshops, and deliver specialised digital support, operating from two innovation hubs:

Digital Innovation Co-Created Solutions

Managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), STRIDE brings together leading institutions: Alacrity, Atlantic Technological University, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, South West College, and Ulster University.

Our Mission

To empower rural communities by using digital technologies to address the challenges they face, fostering community sustainability.

Our Vision

A thriving cross-border region where rural communities have the digital tools, skills, and networks needed to create lasting solutions for local challenges.

How We Work

Our Approach

Ensuring solutions are built by the community, for the community.

Discover

We reach out to community groups, volunteers, and local organisations, inviting everyone to join our open Expression of Interest calls. Together, we learn about your unique challenges and opportunities.

Co-Create

Through Design Thinking workshops, we partner with communities to develop tailored solutions, from simple digital tools to transformative projects that address your specific needs.

Build Capacity

We empower communities with lasting skills, not just temporary solutions. Through participation in the Design Thinking process, participants gain the confidence and capacity to shape their digital futures independently.

Focus Areas

Where We Work

Healthcare Access

Digital tools connecting rural residents with telehealth services, health information, and local support networks.

Education & Skills

Upskilling programmes and digital literacy initiatives ensuring communities can confidently use modern tools.

Transportation

Smart booking systems and route planning tools improving mobility for elderly and isolated residents.

Economic Development

E-commerce platforms, digital marketplaces, and online tools helping local businesses and producers thrive.

Social Inclusion

Supporting youth, elderly, and newcomer communities through accessible digital solutions that foster connection.

Sustainability

Digital solutions reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across the border region.

By the Numbers

Programme Impact

What the STRIDE programme has delivered across the border region so far.

0 Community Members Trained

0 Communities Now Managing Independently

The entire club's eyes have been opened to accessibility issues, and a lot of the members want to make the club more inclusive. One member with vision impairments has used a sensory timer that has an audible notification and feels more included and less stressed. Others have found the digital timer used by the Timer role on screen very helpful during the speeches. - Island Voice’s Community Member

Island Voices, Enniskillen Toastmasters

Fermanagh

Being able to check parking availability before leaving home would save a lot of stress and time, especially during peak hours. - ATU Student Union

Atlantic Technological University Sligo

Sligo

Who We Are

The STRIDE Team

Cara Woods

Programme Development & Delivery Manager

South West College

Laura Slevin

Project Finance Administration Officer

South West College

Siobhán Currie

Community Development Officer (Fermanagh & Tyrone)

South West College

Ursula Martin

Digital Social Innovator (Fermanagh & Tyrone)

South West College

Chris McQueen

Digital Transformation Projects Lead

South West College

Louise Bleakley

Project Finance Administration Officer

South West College

Christopher Sheridan

STRIDE Graduate Accelerator Digital Officer

South West College

Contact Person

Community Engagement Officer

Fermanagh Omagh District Council

Gary Mortland

Fermanagh Omagh District Council

Andrew Tuite

Technical & Commercialisation Support Advisor

Alacrity

Padraig McKeon

Community Development Officer (Leitrim & Sligo)

Leitrim County Enterprise Fund

Colm Keane

Leitrim County Enterprise Fund

Valerie McTaggart

Research Team

Atlantic Technological University

Chris O'Malley

Research Team

Atlantic Technological University

Ali Usama

Digital Social Innovator (Leitrim & Sligo)

Atlantic Technological University

Laura Bradley McCauley

Ulster University

Trevor Cadden

Ulster University

McIvor Ronan

Ulster University

Joseph Rafferty

Ulster University

Rachael Withers

Ulster University

Olupelumi Kayode

Ulster University

Keep Up to Date

Stay updated on workshops, community calls, and opportunities to collaborate. Whether you're a community group or individual, there's a place for you in STRIDE.

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