Ireland formalises commitment to integrated rural development through the EU Rural Pact
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
Ireland has submitted a national political commitment to the EU Rural Pact, setting out actions to advance its ‘whole-of-government’ rural development policy, support rural priorities in the next EU budget and promote their integration into future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs).
© European Union, 2026
The commitment was signed by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, at the High-level Rural Policy Forum of 3-4 November 2026 in Naas, Ireland. It formalises Ireland’s engagement with the Rural Pact and its contribution to the 10 shared goals of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas.
The signing and recognition of the commitment took place during the high-level Forum organised by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Commission, with support from the Rural Pact Support Office.
Quotes
“The Commission welcomes the national and regional governments already leading the way and we continue to encourage others to follow. Ultimately, the European vision for rural areas can only become a reality if public authorities at every level take ownership and act on it.”
Michael Mcgrath, Irish Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection
“[Ireland’s formal commitment to the European Rural Pact] marks an important milestone in our commitment to working with European partners to support the long-term development of rural communities. Through the Rural Pact, we can strengthen cooperation, share knowledge, and experiences, and support the delivery of the EU's long-term vision for rural areas.”
Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Ireland
Three areas of action for rural development
Ireland’s commitment builds on its ‘whole-of-government’ rural development policy, Our Rural Future, and its tradition of community-led local development through LEADER.
It sets out three areas of action:
- Continuing the implementation of Our Rural Future 2026-2031: investing in rural infrastructure and public services, supporting economic development, resilient and inclusive communities, and climate action. The policy also seeks to strengthen government coordination, consideration of rural impacts in national policies, stakeholder participation – including among young people – and the use of rural data and research.
- Supporting rural development within the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): advocating continued prioritisation of rural development, appropriate funding for the common agricultural policy (CAP), and continued recognition and support for LEADER.
- Promoting rural priorities in future NRPPs: integrating rural development priorities into the future Plans, reflecting diverse rural needs and supporting a broad range of rural development interventions.
Strengthening public authorities’ engagement through the Rural Pact
Ireland joins other national and regional public authorities that have formalised their engagement with the Rural Pact through political commitments.
These commitments set out actions intended to contribute to the EU rural vision, including through stronger governance, coordination across policy areas and funding instruments, and stakeholder engagement.