Wider rural economy to benefit from EU funding

Luxembourg: At least 10% of the money Ireland receives under the European Union’s rural development fund will now be spent on the provision of services in the wider rural economy.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuív said a six-year overall deal reached in Luxembourg was an excellent outcome for Ireland.

They said while rural development allocations must await EU budget agreement, this does not preclude progress on the preparation of a national rural development plan.