Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Our Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades. It commits to developing an effective rural proofing model to ensure the effects of significant new proposals on rural communities are fully considered, and better target the particular challenges and opportunities facing them.

To advance this measure, my officials commissioned a research report on rural proofing which was published in January 2023. It outlines options that could be applied in the Irish context and assesses the merits and potential barriers to their implementation.

The report makes clear that all the international evidence in relation to rural proofing is that no ‘one size fits all’ approach can be quickly and successfully implemented. This international experience is an important factor in shaping our approach to rural proofing. Informed by the conclusions of the report, my Department is developing a nationally applicable rural proofing approach by first applying rural proofing concepts to a number of pilot test initiatives.

This includes rural proofing the review of the National Planning Framework which is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and this work has be commenced. My officials are also working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in relation to rural proofing and the development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy. Similarly, work is also underway on the development of the new National Hubs Strategy, and the incorporation of the rural perspective is a key part of this work.

My officials will continue to engage collaboratively with relevant Departments to progress work in this area to ensure that our approach to rural proofing incorporates an appropriate ‘rural lens’, is sustainable over the longer term and adds value. Informed by the lead Departments' work programmes for the initiatives outlined above, I would anticipate that the basis of a consistent and cross Government approach to rural proofing future policy proposals could be brought forward by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.