OECD Review of Rural Development in Ireland

To aid the development of the new Our Rural Future policy, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht contracted the OECD to undertake a review of rural development policy in Ireland.

The Review was tasked with providing an independent and internationally recognised analysis of key trends, challenges and potential opportunities in rural development that would support the development of forward-looking rural policy.

The review, published on 16 February 2026, incorporates the views of Government departments, national and local stakeholders, which reflect the cross-sectoral nature of rural development, and delivers a series of recommendations for consideration in the development of future policy.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental organisation, whose remit includes analysis of policies, working to address diverse rural challenges, to strengthen economies and support inhabitants while guiding governments in implementing effective rural development policies.

The OECD’s final report is available to view here.