Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2024
53. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the mechanism to be deployed to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26252/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future 2021 to 2025 is the whole-of-government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland. The policy was published in March 2021 and, as a live document, now contains more than 170 commitments for delivery. These measures support the economic, environmental, cultural and social development and wellbeing of rural communities.
The policy contains a range of commitments across Government, and focuses on the long term developmental needs of rural areas. Each commitment included in the policy is led by a nominated Government Department, State agency or other body. Funding of these commitments is met from the Votes/budgets of each relevant Government Department.
Implementation of the policy is co-ordinated on behalf of Government by my Department. An overarching Implementation Advisory Group ensures the coherent integration of the policy’s measures and comprises representatives from Government Departments, regional and local government as well as key community and development sector representatives.
Policy updates are provided through six-monthly Progress Reports and annual Work Programmes. The development of each Annual Work Programme allows for new measures and actions. These are added in light of any revised priorities, emerging opportunities and challenges. There has been strong progress in the delivery of actions reported across the Work Programmes and Progress Reports published to date, and I am committed to ensuring that progress is maintained in that regard.
