Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht a cheist. Our Rural Future is the Government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland, putting forward a vision for vibrant rural places that are attractive to people, particularly young people, who wish to study, live, work and raise their families in rural Ireland. More than 170 measures are outlined in the policy to support sustainable economic and social development and environmental and cultural well-being. The delivery of these measures is clearly cross-governmental, with a range of Departments contributing in their own areas of responsibility.

In response to Deputy McGuinness's question on housing in rural areas, my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage holds policy responsibility. As part of my Department's role in overseeing the delivery of Our Rural Future, officials in my Department and I regularly engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I will formally meet the Minister, Deputy Browne, next week on a range of issues, including housing agus tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht freisin.

This activity includes membership of the cross-departmental steering group on the national planning framework, engagement on the development and delivery of the Housing for All strategy and the delivery of initiatives under the town centre first policy, which is delivered jointly by our two Departments. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is also a key participant in the development of the new Our Rural Future policy, which will take effect from 2026. We have had a number of public and stakeholder consultations on Our Rural Future policy. Of course, the issues of housing and the necessary infrastructure to support housing development for our rural communities have come up in those engagements.

The new Our Rural Future policy will absolutely reflect the importance of rural housing and the many programme for Government commitments in this area. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and his officials but also with the House to provide maximum housing and, most importantly, sustainable communities in rural areas.

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