The Rural Area Partnership in Derry consists of representatives from community organisations, statutory authorities, the private sector and special interest groups and its primary objective is:

To halt the social and economic decline of the rural communities within the Derry City Council Area and to enable these communities in partnership with all interested parties to devise locally led strategies to facilitate sustainable social, economic and cultural development

The vulnerability of regional and local rural economies to a wide range of global markets influences emphasises the importance of and need for an integrated approach to rural development.

In recognition of such continuing influences the Rural Area Partnership In Derry (RAPID), with the continued support of Derry City Council aims to engage proactively with the rural community and partners in the implementation of Leader+ (and other future initiatives) which will result in the emergence of sustainable resources that will contribute to a vibrant local rural economy.