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 Make Impact

Healthcare Access

Connecting rural residents with crucial health services.

Education & Skills

Digital literacy initiatives ensuring no one is left behind.

Transportation

Smart booking systems and route optimization.

Economic Development

E-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces.

Social Inclusion

Bringing people together.

Sustainability

Building sustainable rural communities.

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

Rebecca Wilson

Community Engagement Officer

Fermanagh Omagh District Council

Andrew Tuite

Technical & Commercialisation Support Advisor

Alacrity

Padraig McKeon

Community Development Officer (Leitrim & Sligo)

Leitrim County Enterprise Fund

Valerie McTaggart

Atlantic Technological University

Chris O’Malley

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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