'Joined-up' national policies promised to rural communities

A “joined-up” approach to the implementation of national policies that affect rural communities will be published before the year end, says Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys.

The action plan for rural development will act as a framework for co-ordination of initiatives across Government to support rural development, in keeping with programme for a partnership government commitments for delivery across government relating to rural development.

Ms Humphreys said her department’s funds for rural development in 2017 will total €79.27m — €12m for the town and village regeneration scheme, €8m for national rural development schemes, €40m for the LEADER rural development programme, and local authority funds to prepare for rural broadband.

“While these initiatives will individually make a positive contribution to rural development, it is their combined impact, along with other initiatives across gGovernment, which will make a real and sustainable difference to rural Ireland,” she said.

Rural measures in the programme for a partnership government include broadband, renewing the post office network, supporting local jobseekers, and services in education, health and security.