11/03/2026
Minister Muir Launches Consultation On 15-Year Rural Policy
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has opened a public consultation on a draft long-term rural policy for Northern Ireland.
Titled 'Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026–2041', the 15‑year draft aims to understand, champion and support rural people and places. Developed through an intensive co‑design process involving government departments, local councils, voluntary and community organisations, and academic partners, it places rural voices and lived experience at its core.
The draft sets out five strategic proposals to bring people and government together to shape a thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural Northern Ireland. Clear criteria guide the approach to ensure it is fair, effective, offers good value for money, and can be delivered in practice.
It promotes 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 12‑week consultation includes a programme of online and in‑person public engagement events, with event details and supporting documents available on the DAERA website.
Responses are invited until 23:59 on 1 June 2026.
Following Executive approval, DAERA will bring forward the first set of action plans.
Titled 'Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026–2041', the 15‑year draft aims to understand, champion and support rural people and places. Developed through an intensive co‑design process involving government departments, local councils, voluntary and community organisations, and academic partners, it places rural voices and lived experience at its core.
The draft sets out five strategic proposals to bring people and government together to shape a thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural Northern Ireland. Clear criteria guide the approach to ensure it is fair, effective, offers good value for money, and can be delivered in practice.
It promotes collaboration across government, respects the roles of all Northern Ireland departments, and complies with the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
"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 12‑week consultation includes a programme of online and in‑person public engagement events, with event details and supporting documents available on the DAERA website.
Responses are invited until 23:59 on 1 June 2026.
Following Executive approval, DAERA will bring forward the first set of action plans.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.