'No clear vision for rural Ireland' in revised NDP - Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin has that said the government’s updated National Development Plan (NDP) offers "no clear vision for rural Ireland".
On Tuesday, the government unveiled a revised NDP which will see a total investment of €275.4 billion from 2026 to 2035.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said it reflects the government’s ambition “to support a growing population, meet our climate goals, and ensure that every part of Ireland can thrive”.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has been allocated €1.6 billion, while the Department of Rural and Community Development will receive €1.3 billion.
However, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and Gaeltacht, Conor D. McGuinness said the plan offers no targeted funding or project pipeline to address "the everyday infrastructure deficits facing rural communities".
He said the review “picks up where the anti-rural National Planning Framework left off, and repeats old promises while ignoring the needs of one-third of the population”.
The Waterford TD added that the omission of rural-focused community infrastructure in the revised NDP is especially stark.
“There is no capital plan here for rural roads, rural housing, or public transport. No investment path for digital hubs, garda stations, community centres or rural health facilities.
"The review makes no mention of the LEADER programme or local development companies. It offers no rural-proofing of investment and no regional delivery mechanism.
“This was a chance to show ambition but, instead, the government has offered a reprint of existing announcements padded by construction inflation.
"There’s nothing new for the rural families, workers, or communities who are struggling to access basic services," he said.
Deputy McGuinness added there is "no forward plan for schemes like CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal, or the Community Centres Investment Fund".
"No joined-up thinking on how rural regeneration, social inclusion, or local development will be delivered. That tells rural communities everything they need to know.
“Sinn Féin has called for rural capital investment to be hardwired into national planning with ring-fenced rural budgets, regional targets, and direct investment in roads, homes, and public services.
"Until that happens, rural Ireland will continue to be left waiting for a government that is clearly not listening," he said.
