Consultation on new long-term rural policy for Northern Ireland
Views sought on how people and government can work together to address the challenges and opportunities that face rural communities.
Views sought on how people and government can work together to address the challenges and opportunities that face rural communities.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on the draft policy "Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026–2041".
This is a new draft policy that aims to understand, champion and support rural communities.
Developed through a co‑design process involving government departments, local councils, voluntary and community organisations and academic partners, the draft policy aims to place 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:
- Putting Rural Voices at the Heart of Government
- Local Partnerships for Local Impact
- Understanding Rural
- Strengthening Rural Communities at Local and Regional Level
- Reviewing the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
Find out more about the consultation and how to respond.
The closing date for responses is Monday 1 June 2026.
First published 25 March 2026