Public survey launched on new rural development policy
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has 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, Minister Calleary's department said.
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.
The survey findings will inform a series of stakeholder events on issues of importance for rural Ireland, according to the department.
More broadly, the findings will also help shape a new "future-focused plan" which continues to support "vibrant, resilient and sustainable" rural communities, and meets the evolving needs of those living and working in rural Ireland.
The online survey is now open and will be closed to new responses at close of business on April 2. All responses are anonymous.
Commenting on 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," the minister said.
He added: "Recent events have shown us the strength and resilience within our rural communities, however there are also challenges and the government recognises that it must do more to support rural Ireland over the coming years."
He said the survey would allow "everyone to help shape" the next phase of the rural development policy.
"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," he said.
2025 is set to be the final year of the current policy, after Our Rural Future was launched in 2021.
