IFA President Joe Healy has welcomed the publication of Project Ireland 2040, and the focus the plan places on the development and regeneration of rural Ireland.

Joe Healy said the allocation of €1bn for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund indicates a very welcome commitment to supporting and strengthening rural Ireland.

The IFA President said he was encouraged to see many of the recommendations IFA submitted to the Draft plan taken into consideration, in particular the need for rural housing, renewable energy development, the regeneration of rural towns and villages, and the urgent need to deliver on the National Broadband Strategy.

Joe Healy said the detail of the plan will need to be examined carefully and IFA National Council will discuss it in detail at its next meeting before providing feedback to Government.