Organisation: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
Closing Date: 12 December 2025
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has launched a public consultation to inform the next iteration of Ireland’s Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future. This phase invites feedback on the draft vision, themes and priorities that will guide rural policy from 2026 to 2031.
Main Points of the Proposal
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Development of the next Our Rural Future policy, setting strategic direction for rural Ireland for 2026–2031
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Opportunity for the public to comment on the draft vision, themes, and priority areas outlined in the consultation document
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Policy shaped by nationwide engagement, including:
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An online survey beginning in March 2025
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Eight regional and online stakeholder/public events
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Bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, representative groups, Government Departments, and public bodies
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A consultation paper presenting the proposed framework is available for review
How to Participate / Submit Feedback
Members of the public and stakeholders can participate by reviewing the consultation document and submitting feedback on the questions provided.
Email submissions:
Send to rural.consultation@drcdg.gov.ie
Include “Our Rural Future Consultation” in the subject line.
Postal submissions:
Our Rural Future Consultation
Rural Strategy Unit
Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
Government Offices
Brook Street
Ballina
Co. Mayo
F26 E8N6
Consultation open until: 12 December 2025
The consultation follows an extensive national engagement process initiated earlier in 2025, gathering insights from communities, organisations and stakeholders on the priorities for rural Ireland. This next phase builds on progress achieved under the current Our Rural Future policy and seeks to ensure the updated strategy reflects the lived experiences, needs, and ambitions of rural communities.
Feedback received will directly inform the drafting of Our Rural Future 2026–2031, ensuring the policy is grounded in the perspectives and aspirations of rural people.
The Public Consultation Institute of Ireland (PCII) is committed to engaging citizens and empowering communities through the use of emerging technologies, which are transforming how the Government and citizens communicate and interact. PCII’s mission is to bring more people into the public participatory process. Not only will this expand informed public engagement, early studies suggest that it is likely to enhance the diversity and quality of participation. View a list of public consultations currently open at https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay