Organisation information
The Rural Development Division
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The Rural Development Division promotes and facilitates long-term sustainable economic and social progress in rural parts of Ireland through a coordinated approach across government.
A key instrument to deliver this objective is the government's Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 - Our Rural Future. Our Rural Future represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the five year period. It provides the framework to achieve the vision of transforming the quality of life and opportunity for people living in rural areas.
Other areas of the division's activities include the implementation of the LEADER Rural Programme, the delivery of a range of other schemes supporting rural tourism and recreation, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and Local Improvement Scheme and the coordination of TidyTowns.
These projects are funded by CLÁR and the Dormant Accounts Fund.
The division also plays an important role in regional development, in particular through facilitating the development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor concept and supporting the rollout of high-speed broadband and telecommunications infrastructure across rural Ireland.