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

We have identified areas that we want to focus on as part of the pilot. Sustainable tourism is something that has a big impact on rural economies. We have launched the national recreation strategy.

That has huge economic benefits. Let us consider, for example, the benefits of Limerick greenway, the mountain biking trail in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford. Only last week, I opened a new walkway in Newtownforbes, County Longford.

The national planning framework is another important policy, which is a big influence on balanced regional development, rural housing, remote working, etc. There is a range of different ways through which we can make sure that policies are rural-proofed.

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