The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has been allocated €1.3 billion in capital investment over the period 2026-2030 through the newly published National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan.

The publication of the plan was welcomed by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD, who highlighted the Government's ongoing dedication to supporting rural communities and development.

Over the five-year timeframe leading up to 2030, the confirmed capital funding is expected to facilitate several key outcomes:

• Funding Growth: Capital funding is projected to increase from €258 million in 2025 to €273 million in 2026, before stabilising at €255 million per year for both 2029 and 2030. This investment will support various capital schemes and projects within the Department's remit.

• Island Infrastructure: There will be enhanced investment in pier infrastructure for Ireland's offshore islands, including a specific focus on the development of Inis Oírr pier in County Galway.

• Irish Language and Culture: Funds are earmarked for the establishment of Irish language and cultural hubs, alongside investment in the Irish Summer School sector to address rising demand for related infrastructure.

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• Key Project Delivery: Specific projects include the development of an innovative Irish Language Centre at Harcourt Street in Dublin and the Ionad Oideachais agus Óige Indreabhán summer school in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

• Community Support: Funding is committed to progressing the Programme for Government commitment to re-establish a RAPID scheme, which will deliver targeted supports to the most disadvantaged communities throughout the country.

• Rural Facilities: Targeted increases in funding will be directed towards the Department's primary capital schemes that furnish essential facilities to rural areas and communities.

Minister Calleary, who was in Wexford to officially open completed rural development projects, stated: "I am delighted to be in Wexford today to see first-hand how the investments we have already made are making a positive difference to communities. "The National Development Plan will provide the necessary funding to build on the strong supports already provided by Government to deliver for our communities. This funding will further support and empower communities across the country and drive the development of our Gaeltacht areas. "The increased funding in the NDP will allow us to invest in vital piers infrastructure for our island communities, enhancing facilities for people living on our islands and for visiting tourists. It will also enable the provision of enhanced facilities for the promotion and teaching of the Irish language. "Delivery on Programme for Government commitments, such as the reintroduction of a RAPID-style programme targeting our most disadvantaged communities, will ensure that urban centres will also benefit from this increased level of funding, making a positive difference to people right across the country."

Minister of State Buttimer, who holds responsibility for Charities and Community Development, added his satisfaction regarding the investment: "I am particularly pleased to see the capital funding increase for community development provided for in the NDP. This funding will ensure continued support for capital investment in community infrastructure and enable us to deliver on a Programme for Government. "It will mean we will develop new community facilities and spaces that can be used by all. It is also important that we support small scale initiatives that have a big impact. Funding to improve access for people with disabilities, enhancing participation and the upgrade of existing facilities have a huge impact at local level."