Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
1094. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress in publishing the next rural development policy plan; the estimated timeframe for its release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4165/26]
View answerSince its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future 2021 - 2025 has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved quality of life across rural Ireland. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future, and the process of developing this successor policy is well advanced.An extensive process of consultation has taken place which has gathered the views of stakeholders and communities across the country on what matters most for rural Ireland and its people.This consultation has included an online public survey, a series of eight stakeholder and public events across the country and online, and an open call for written submissions. The Rural Youth Assembly has also been consulted, ensuring that the voices of young people are fully considered in the policy development process. Bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, representative groups, and public bodies have also taken place.Informed by these engagements, my officials are currently working with Departments across Government on the new Our Rural Future, with a particular focus on the development of meaningful and ambitious actions for delivery under the new policy.I am confident that the resulting commitments within the new Our Rural Future will demonstrate Government's support for rural Ireland and I look forward to publishing the new policy in the coming months.
