The Government has unveiled Our Rural Future 2026–2031, a refreshed whole-of-Government policy outlining 34 top-level commitments designed to bolster rural communities, stimulate local economies and enhance quality of life across rural Ireland. Building on the progress of Our Rural Future 2021–2025, the new framework brings together commitments from across departments and agencies to ensure rural areas have the infrastructure, services and supports they need to thrive.

The policy prioritises rural enterprise and jobs, better access to essential services in remote areas, tackling loneliness and rural isolation, and strengthening community resilience through innovation and technology. It complements wider Government objectives on rural housing, transport, digital connectivity, and the regeneration of towns and villages. A new strategic rural investment initiative is also planned to help unlock major regional capital projects.

Organised around five strategic pillars, the approach focuses on: thriving rural places; high-quality public services; a strong and diverse rural economy; resilient rural communities; and sustaining the rural environment, including support for climate action and environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said: "Rural Ireland is central to our national identity and to the future of our country. Our rural communities have enormous strengths and potential, and this Government is committed to ensuring they have the opportunities, infrastructure and services they need to thrive.

"This next iteration of Our Rural Future sets out an ambitious vision for rural Ireland, where people can build their lives, businesses can grow and young people can look to the future with confidence. It reflects our commitment to balanced regional development and recognises that realising our ambition for rural Ireland requires a coordinated, whole-of-Government approach, with rural communities at the heart of decision-making."

Speaking about the publication of the new policy, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD said: "Rural Ireland is continually changing and the needs of those who live there change with it. The first Our Rural Future policy, launched in 2021, marked a significant step forward in our approach to rural development and addressing those needs. Today, we can see the positive impact of sustained investment in towns, villages and communities right across the country.

"This new policy builds on those achievements, while recognising the emerging opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland. Alongside strengthening existing supports, we are introducing new measures that will help communities respond to changing needs, strengthen local economies and services, and make the most of advances in digital connectivity.

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"We recognise that every rural community is different, with its own strengths, priorities and challenges. Our place-based approach reflects this diversity, including the distinct needs and opportunities of our Gaeltacht and island communities, and the importance of supporting their long-term sustainability and development.

"Our focus now is firmly on delivery, working across Government to deliver practical improvements that make a real difference to people living and working in rural Ireland."

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said: "Rural Ireland plays a vital role in our national economy, with a strong and diverse enterprise base and enormous potential for further growth. From agri-food and tourism to emerging industries and innovative businesses, rural areas continue to contribute to Ireland's economic success.

"This new Our Rural Future policy will build on these strengths, supporting enterprise and employment, encouraging innovation and harnessing the opportunities presented by digital technologies, AI and new ways of working. Our ambition is to strengthen rural economies and ensure they continue to play a central role in our national economic development."

Speaking about the importance of securing a sustainable future for rural Ireland, Minister of State Seán Canney TD said: "Rural communities have always shown remarkable resilience and an ability to adapt to change. As we look to the future, it is important that we equip them to respond to emerging challenges while making the most of new opportunities.

"This new Our Rural Future policy recognises the importance of planning for the long term, from protecting our natural environment and responding to climate change, to strengthening the resilience of essential infrastructure in rural areas.

"Our ambition is to support a rural Ireland that is environmentally sustainable, economically resilient and socially strong, where communities can continue to thrive for generations to come."

Emphasising the central role of people and place, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD said: "Strong communities are at the heart of rural Ireland. Across the country, local organisations, volunteers and community groups make an extraordinary contribution to rural life, bringing people together and creating places where everyone feels they belong.

"This new policy recognises the importance of building on these strengths, improving rural transport and access to community facilities and services, and addressing challenges such as loneliness and rural isolation.

"By supporting local participation and continuing to invest in the facilities and services that bring people together, we can help build stronger, more resilient rural communities, where people of all ages feel connected, supported and valued."

An accompanying Action Plan sets out 234 practical measures with delivery timelines for the period to the end of 2028, forming a framework for implementation and progress tracking. Additional actions will be developed out to 2031 to ensure continued delivery on the policy's commitments.

Our Rural Future 2026–2031 has been shaped by extensive consultation with rural communities and stakeholders, including an online survey, eight public and stakeholder events, and a public written consultation that received more than 270 submissions—altogether involving well over 2,000 participants. The OECD's 2026 Rural Policy Review of Ireland also informed the approach, recognising the strengths of Ireland's whole-of-Government model and offering insights that helped refine the policy.

A programme of regional events will be held over the coming months to engage directly with communities on the priorities and commitments in Our Rural Future, and to share information on funding opportunities and supports—along with practical guidance on eligibility and application processes—to make these resources more accessible.

Implementation will be coordinated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in collaboration with relevant departments and agencies. Detailed annual progress updates will be published to ensure transparency and accountability, with clear reporting on each action and an overview across the policy's breadth.

Further information, including the full policy and Action Plan, is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/campaigns/our-rural-future/