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

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. 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 respect of 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 and I was happy to have recently met with Lord Benyon, Minister of State for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs to discuss the experience of implementing a rural proofing approach in the United Kingdom. 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. As part of this approach, my officials have engaged with a number of key Departments. Officials are now working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on rural proofing and the development of the new sustainable tourism policy. Similarly, work is also under way on the development of the new national hubs strategy. The incorporation of the rural perspective is a key part of this work. To further progress the pilot approach, I have asked my officials to engage with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding their ongoing work on the national planning framework.

My officials will continue 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.

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