‘Let’s Talk Rural’: Minister Muir Opens Consultation on ambitious Draft Rural Policy
• Do you think rural County Down gets a fair deal in its rural policies ? Are we we being left behind ?
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir 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.
