O’Shea Welcomes Publication of New ‘Our Rural Future’ Strategy – Calling for Delivery of Real Benefits for Cork North West

Fine Gael TD says new five-year policy must support rural jobs, revitalise towns and villages, and improve access to essential services

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed the publication of the Government’s new Our Rural Future 2026–2031 strategy, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen rural communities, support local enterprise and ensure that people across Cork North West can continue to live, work and raise their families in rural Ireland.

Launched this week, the new whole-of-Government policy sets out 34 high-level commitments aimed at driving rural development, improving public services, strengthening local economies and addressing challenges such as rural isolation.

The strategy is accompanied by an Action Plan containing 234 practical measures and timelines for delivery through to the end of 2028, with further actions to be developed over the remainder of the policy period.

Deputy O’Shea said the success of the strategy would ultimately be measured by the tangible improvements it delivers for rural communities.

“I warmly welcome the publication of Our Rural Future 2026–2031. Rural Ireland is at the heart of our national identity, and communities throughout Cork North West make an enormous contribution to our economy, culture and way of life.

“From our towns and villages to our smaller rural communities, we need to ensure that people have the opportunities, infrastructure and services they need to build a good life close to home. That means supporting local businesses and employment, improving connectivity, investing in community facilities and ensuring that essential services are accessible to people regardless of where they live.

“Cork North West has enormous potential, with a strong agricultural sector, thriving local businesses, community organisations and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our towns and villages vibrant. We must build on those strengths and ensure that rural areas are not left behind when it comes to investment and development.”

The new strategy is structured around five strategic pillars: thriving rural places, high-quality public services, a strong and diverse rural economy, resilient rural communities, and sustaining the rural environment.

Deputy O’Shea said these priorities were particularly relevant to communities across Cork North West, where investment in housing, transport, water infrastructure, broadband and local amenities remains essential to supporting population growth and economic development.

“Balanced regional development must mean more than a policy commitment on paper. It must translate into investment and improvements that people can see and experience in their own communities.

“We need to continue regenerating our rural towns and villages, bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use, supporting local enterprise and creating opportunities for young people to build their futures in their own areas.

“Reliable broadband is opening up new opportunities for rural businesses and remote working, but we must also continue to address gaps in essential infrastructure, including water and wastewater services, rural transport and access to public services. These are fundamental to the long-term sustainability of rural communities.

“I also welcome the emphasis on tackling loneliness and rural isolation. Community groups, sporting organisations, voluntary organisations and local development bodies play an invaluable role in bringing people together, and they must continue to receive the support they need to do that work.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the commitment to a new strategic rural investment initiative to help unlock major capital projects at regional level, highlighting the importance of making funding opportunities accessible to local authorities, community organisations and other groups working to develop their areas.

He said the accompanying Action Plan was an important element of the strategy, providing practical measures, delivery timelines and a framework for monitoring progress, alongside annual progress reports.

“Consultation with rural communities is important, and I welcome the fact that the development of this strategy was informed by the views of more than 2,000 participants. Those living and working in rural Ireland understand the challenges and opportunities facing their communities better than anyone.

“The priority now must be implementation. We need to see these commitments translated into real projects, better services, stronger local economies and more sustainable communities. I will continue to work with Government colleagues, local representatives, community organisations and businesses to ensure that the needs of Cork North West are reflected in the delivery of this policy.

“Our Rural Future sets out an ambitious direction for the next five years. With sustained investment, effective coordination across Government and a clear focus on delivery, it can help ensure that rural Ireland remains a place where people of all ages can live, work and prosper.”

The full Our Rural Future 2026–2031 policy and accompanying Action Plan are available at www.gov.ie/ourruralfuture