Ireland unveils new national rural development policy for 2026-2031
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Resilient rural areas
- Prosperous rural areas
- Connected rural areas
The Irish government has launched its second ‘Our Rural Future’ policy, aimed at driving rural development and strengthening the country’s rural communities. It includes a range of new measures and initiatives to support rural enterprise and employment, improve access to essential services, tackle rural isolation and boost community resilience.
Image by Gerardo_Borbolla from Getty Images
The new policy, covering 2026-2031, builds on the progress achieved under 'Our Rural Future 2021-2025'. It is also informed by the OECD’s review of Ireland’s rural policy, published in February 2026, which highlighted the country’s whole-of-government approach to rural development.
Structured around five interconnected strategic pillars, the new policy sets out 34 high-level commitments to support the continued development of rural Ireland. These pillars are focused on:
- Thriving rural places – investing in rural places and associated infrastructure (e.g. digital connectivity, community facilities, electricity, water and housing) to ensure they are thriving and vibrant places for people to live, work and raise a family;
- High-quality public services –delivering access to services, such as transport, education, childcare, health and disability services, and ensuring access through the medium of Irish, particularly in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas;
- A strong and diverse rural economy – ensuring that rural Ireland continues to play a central role in national economic development. This includes strategic support and initiatives to bolster and diversify the enterprise and employment base in rural areas;
- Resilient rural communities – strengthening resilient, inclusive, culturally rich and empowered communities in rural Ireland. Actions planned include investment in communities' well-being and safety and to support them in responding to new and emerging challenges;
- Sustaining the rural environment – supporting rural communities to contribute to climate action and environmental sustainability (e.g. through investing in renewable energy infrastructure and capitalising on growth opportunities in the bioeconomy and circular economy).
An accompanying action plan sets out 234 practical measures to be delivered across government by the end of 2028, providing a framework for implementation and monitoring progress. These actions were developed in collaboration with the government departments and state agencies responsible for their delivery.
A second action plan, covering 2029-2031, is due to be developed later, to build on progress and identify further actions needed to achieve the commitments.
New funds to support investment and innovation
As part of the new policy, a Strategic Rural Investment Fund will be established within the country’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, to unlock major strategic capital projects and support enterprise and employment creation.
A new Community-Led Rural Innovation Fund will also be introduced, enabling communities to bring forward initiatives that improve local resilience, service delivery and the ability to connect towns and villages with their hinterlands.
The development of 'Our Rural Future 2026-2031' was informed by extensive public and stakeholder consultation, gathering the views of more than 2 000 people.
A series of regional events will be held across Ireland in the coming months to engage directly with rural communities on the policy’s priorities and commitments. These events will also provide information on the range of funding opportunities and support available, including practical guidance on eligibility and application processes.
Ireland's new policy is an inspiring example for countries seeking to develop national rural strategies. It was presented at the High-level Rural Policy Forum 'Europe’s Rural Future - Responding to rural priorities through integrated national and regional strategies and LEADER' on 3-4 November 2026.
Explore our country page on Ireland, featuring examples, inspirational initiatives and actions that contribute to advancing the Rural Pact there.