Rural Pact Ireland Framework (RPIF)

Description

A critical gap exists in mapping Ireland's existing rural development landscape against the EU Rural Pact objectives. While national policies are in place, a clear, consolidated understanding of synergies, overlaps, and, crucially, specific areas requiring enhanced focus or new initiatives under the Pact's umbrella is underdeveloped. Furthermore, there is a recognised need to build a robust network of key stakeholders and foster knowledge exchange specifically around the Rural Pact's implications for Ireland. Many organisations and communities are eager to engage but lack a cohesive platform or a clear understanding of how the Pact can directly benefit their local efforts or contribute to larger national goals. With Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, together with the focus on post-2027 frameworks and funding, the timing is right for an initiative on the Rural Pact in Ireland and how it links to policy, research and society.

The project's deliverables are as follows:

Policy Mapping detailing the alignment and gaps between existing Irish rural development policies and the EU Rural Pact, establishing UCD's expertise in this critical area. 

Stakeholder Engagement Synthesis Report summarising key insights gathered from workshop(s) and the national online survey, demonstrating expanded collaborative networks and identified rural priorities. 

The Rural Pact Ireland Framework which will be a strategic, high-level roadmap outlining potential governance structures, collaborative mechanisms, and thematic priorities for Ireland's engagement with the Pact. This will include Recommendations for Future Action & Funding Pathways outlining actionable policy recommendations and identifying specific avenues for UCD to pursue future European funding opportunities in rural sustainability. 

Final Project Report and Dissemination Event consolidating all findings, along with a public event to share outcomes, showcasing UCD's leadership and impact to stakeholders and policymakers.

Commitment's information

Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)

Activities

Expected Outcomes

Policy Mapping (Months 1-3):

Map existing Irish rural development policies, strategies, and initiatives (e.g., Our Rural Future, National Planning Framework, CAP Strategic Plan) to identify alignment and gaps with the EU Rural Pact's objectives.

Targeted Stakeholder Needs Assessment & Engagement (Months 4-9):

Identify Key Stakeholders and Actors (local development companies, public/local authorities, civil society organisations, business representatives, and academic experts) relevant to rural development in Ireland.

Work in partnership with Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) officials in the development of the Framework.

Develop and Administer a National Online Survey to gather data on key themes of the Rural Pact.

Facilitate Online Workshop(s) to explore survey findings with key stakeholders and actors.

Development of a Rural Pact Ireland Framework (Months 10-15):

Synthesise findings from the previous two stages to develop a conceptual framework or 'roadmap' outlining potential governance structures, collaborative mechanisms, and thematic areas for future action under an Irish Rural Pact. This framework will be a high-level strategic document. Share draft Framework with stakeholders and colleagues in UCD for feedback and co-design.

Dissemination Event (Months 16-18):

Consolidate all findings, the developed framework, and key recommendations for policy and practice into a comprehensive report; present at dissemination event.

Main results

Number of projects

3

Final results

Research: The ‘Rural Pact Ireland Framework’ and accompanying recommendations will serve as a critical reference point, guiding future applied research towards areas of greatest need and potential impact, ensuring research is relevant and contributes to policy solutions.

Society and Public Engagement: Rural communities will gain a clearer understanding of how the Rural Pact can address their needs, potentially fostering greater local agency and participation in development initiatives. The project's dissemination efforts will raise broader public awareness of the importance of integrated rural development and the opportunities presented by the EU Rural Pact.

Policy: The timing of the framework and recommendations will provide evidence for the development of the new rural development strategy which will replace ‘Our Rural Future’ in 2026. 

Organisation/Company information