Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development to review Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025
Oct 21, 2025
The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, 22 October, at 9:30am to review Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and discuss challenges and opportunities for the successor strategy.
The meeting in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be split into two sessions to hear from:
9:45am – Officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht;
10:45am – Representatives from the Local Development Companies Network (LCDN) and People and Place.
Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy John Paul O’Shea said: “Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy was launched in March 2021, as a framework and blueprint for the development of Rural Ireland over a five-year timeframe. A key objective was to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of people living in Rural Ireland.
“The strategy aimed to address multiple issues, including enhancing farm lives and livelihoods; bridging the gap in urban-rural digital connectivity; revitalising towns and villages; ensuring that people in rural areas have access to good quality public services; and supporting a trust transition for rural communities to sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral economy and society.
“In our first session officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Gaeltacht will provide an overview of the implementation of the strategy to date. This will be followed by Dr Breandán Ó Caoimh, from People and Place, and Ms Martina Earley and Mr Brian Kehoe representing the Local Development Community Network. Dr Ó Caoimh and the LDCN representatives have expertise and experience of rural development policy and operations in communities across the country.
“In addition, with the consultation process for the next successor strategy 2026-2030 ongoing, the Committee also seeks to identify some of the key opportunities and challenges at play now that are central to the development of the next strategy. The ultimate aim is to harness the talent, skills and creativity running through rural communities. The Committee looks forwarding to engaging and gaining the insights of all contributors.”
The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
