‘Have Your Say’: Minister Calleary launches final phase of consultation on Our Rural Future

‘Have Your Say’: Minister Calleary launches final phase of consultation on Our Rural Future

• Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD today launched the final phase of consultation to inform development of the next iteration of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future
• The new policy will build on the progress already made and will set out a renewed vision and new actions to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities
• Informed by the extensive engagement already undertaken, a consultation document setting out the proposed key themes and priorities for the new policy has been published and written submissions are invited by 12 December 2025

Since its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved quality of life across rural Ireland.

The next iteration of Our Rural Future is now being developed to respond to the evolving needs of rural economies and communities. Over recent months, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has engaged extensively with stakeholders and communities across the country to gather views on what matters most for rural Ireland and its people. 

The consultation document published on gov.ie/consultations today reflects that engagement. It outlines the proposed key themes and priorities for the new policy and includes a series of suggested consultation questions designed to guide and support interested parties in preparing their submissions.

Launching the Consultation, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, said:

“The launch of this final phase of consultation marks an important milestone in developing the next Our Rural Future policy; a key Programme for Government commitment.  

“I want to hear your views on how Government can continue to support rural areas and how we can ensure that national policy responds to the emerging opportunities and challenges faced by rural communities”. 

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, added:

“Rural communities are the heart and soul of our country. The people who live in them understand best what is required to sustain and strengthen the vitality of their towns and villages.

“I have seen first-hand the passion and commitment of people during our consultation events, and we now have another valuable opportunity to ensure that voices from every community are heard.  I encourage everyone with an interest in their local community to take part and help shape the next Our Rural Future policy.”

Further detail on how to make a written submission is provided in the document.

The consultation will remain open until 12 December 2025.

Minister Calleary concluded:

“We are committed to building on the success of Our Rural Future and ensuring we make rural Ireland an even better place to live, work, study, and raise a family in the years ahead.”

The Our Rural Future 2026-2031 Consultation Paper is accessible here: Public Consultation: Our Rural Future