DAERA Minister has launched a public
consultation on a new draft long-term rural policy.
Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026-2041 is a new draft policy that
aims to understand, champion and support rural communities.
Developed through an intensive co‑design process involving
government departments, local councils, voluntary and community
organisations and academic partners, the draft policy places
rural voices and lived experiences of rural communities at its
core.
The 15-year policy sets out five strategic proposals aimed at
bringing people and government together to help shape a thriving,
sustainable and inclusive rural Northern Ireland.
The policy is guided by clear criteria to ensure it is fair,
effective, delivers good value for money and can be implemented
in practice.
It supports collaboration across government, respects the roles
of all Northern Ireland departments and complies with the Rural
Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
Welcoming the launch of the public consultation, Minister Muir
said: “This draft policy led by my Department is an
approach to understand, champion and support rural communities.
It aims to reflect the diversity of rural areas and the
experiences of those who live and work in them.
“The proposals seek to identify how people and government
can work together to address the challenges and opportunities
that face rural communities and highlight the need for
coordinated action to support improved outcomes.”
Minister Muir added: “I want everyone to talk rural.
Contributions from individuals, community groups and sector
representatives will play a vital role in refining the proposals
and informing future decisions. Together, we can unlock the full
potential of rural Northern Ireland.”
The consultation is available at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/rural-ni-our-new-approach.
Closing date for responses will be: 23:59 on 1 June 2026.
Notes to editors:
- Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026-2041 is an evidence-based
policy led by DAERA. It is a collective commitment to better
understand, champion, and support rural Northern Ireland now and
for future generations.
- The Consultation document sets out proposals for how
government can provide much broader support for rural people and
places that can be delivered in practice. Following Executive
approval, DAERA will bring forward the first set of action plans.
- The 12‑week consultation features a programme of both online
and in‑person public engagement events. Event details and
supporting documents are now available on the DAERA website.
- Download a copy of the Rural NI: Our New Approach (2026-2041)
Consultation document at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-rural-ni-our-new-approach-2026-2041.
