Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Our Rural Future commits to developing an effective rural proofing model to ensure that the needs of rural communities are fully considered in the development of Government policies. To advance this measure, my officials commissioned research in this area. The resulting report, entitled “Proposals for a Rural Proofing model for Ireland”, was published in January. The report outlines options that could be applied and assesses the merits and potential barriers to their implementation. A central theme of the report is that the international evidence makes clear that no one-size-fits-all approach can be quickly and successfully implemented.

Informed by these conclusions, my Department is now applying rural proofing concepts to a number of pilot initiatives to inform the development of a nationally applicable approach that would then be rolled out more broadly. Included in the rural proofing pilot phase are the following significant initiatives: the first revision of the national planning framework, which is being overseen by a cross-departmental steering group led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the development of a new sustainable tourism policy, which is being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and the development the new national hubs strategy, led by my Department.

In addition, my Department is in the process of developing a new social enterprise strategy. I was anxious to ensure that this important strategy would see the benefit of a rural proofing process. With that is mind, my Department hosted a rural ideas forum during the summer to ensure that the consideration of a rural perspective was central to the development of the strategy, particularly given the important role that social enterprises play in many rural communities.

I expect to conclude the pilot phase of developing a rural proofing model in early 2024. At that point, my officials will draw on the lessons and insights gained from the pilot to put in place workable and effective solutions to support the mainstreaming of the rural perspective in policymaking across Departments.

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