Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 for the Department of Rural and Community Development was published in August and is available on the Departments website.

Publication followed an extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. This process has reaffirmed much of our existing strategic mission and approach, and in many ways, this strategy is an extension of what has come before, building on the progress achieved in our last strategy.

The Strategy sets out the vision and strategic goals that will guide the work of the Department over the period 2023 to 2025 as it continues to deliver on its mission “to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland”.

The five strategic goals set out in the Strategy are to;

1. Advance the economic and social development of rural areas, including the offshore islands;

2. Contribute to and support national regional development objectives;

3. Support empowered, inclusive and resilient communities and a thriving volunteer culture;

4. Enable the community, voluntary, charity, philanthropic and social economy sectors to contribute fully to civil society, and;

5. Foster and maintain a high performance culture and organisation to achieve our mission in the interests of all communities.

The Department has an excellent track record of delivery since its establishment in 2017, both in terms of policy development and the expansion of funding schemes which are vital for rural areas and communities throughout the country. This Statement of Strategy will frame continued progress by my Department in the coming years.