The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary T.D., has today launched an online survey giving the public an opportunity to have their say on the next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
The survey is the first step in an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process which will continue throughout 2025.
The survey is open to everyone and asks participants about the opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland, as well as what actions they think the government should consider to secure a more resilient future for rural communities.
Launching the survey, Minister Calleary said:
“There has been incredible progress achieved under Our Rural Future since it was launched in 2021 and I want to commend my predecessor Heather Humphreys for her work on this. The measures delivered in that time have provided vital investment and supports for rural communities, strengthened local economies and improved the lives of many people across rural Ireland.”
“I believe the time is right to build on this success and look ahead to the next phase of our rural development policy. Recent events have shown us the strength and resilience within our rural communities however there are also challenges and the Government recognise that it must do more to support rural Ireland over the coming years.”
The survey findings will inform a series of stakeholder events on issues of significant importance for rural Ireland. More broadly, they will help shape a new future-focused plan which continues to support vibrant, resilient and sustainable rural communities and meet the evolving needs of those living and working in rural Ireland.
Minister Calleary added:
“This survey is an important opportunity for everyone to help shape the next chapter of rural development in Ireland. I strongly encourage everyone to have their say, so that together we can deliver a plan to make rural Ireland an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The online survey is available here and is open until close of business on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. All responses are anonymous.
ENDS
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
01-773 6843 / 087-1734633
Note to Editor:
- Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It offers a blueprint for a thriving and inclusive rural Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.
- The next iteration of Our Rural Future will build upon the achievements of the 2021-2025 policy, while also addressing new issues of importance for people in rural Ireland
- An extensive public and stakeholder consultation process will continue throughout 2025, underscoring the Department’s commitment to inclusive policy development. Following the survey, a number of open and stakeholder events will take place across the country, facilitating in-depth consultation with rural stakeholders. This will be followed by a written consultation process later in the year. This comprehensive process will ensure individuals, community organisations, local businesses, and all stakeholders have the opportunity for their voices to be heard during the policy development process. Further detail on the consultation events will be made available in due course.
- The online survey is available here and will be open until close of business on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. All responses are anonymous.