merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Rural Minister Heather Humphreys at the launch of the Action Plan for Rural Development in Longford

Taoiseach Enda Kenny joined Rural Minister Heather Humphreys today to launch 'Realising our Rural Potential: The Action Plan for Rural Development'.

The Action Plan will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives right across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. The Plan contains 276 actions across five key pillars which aim to improve both the economic and social fabric of rural Ireland.

Key actions under the plan include supporting the creation of 135,000 new jobs in rural Ireland by 2020, investing €50m in job creation in the regions, increasing Foreign Direct Investment in regional areas by up to 40%, and assisting over 4,000 projects in rural communities to boost economic development, tackle social exclusion and provide services to people living in remote areas.

A new website, www.ruralireland.ie, has been launched as a hub for information on services and supports for rural dwellers.

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said:

"We can do more and do better to drive the creative spirit of rural Ireland for the benefit of everybody, young and old alike. This is the aim of our Action Plan for Rural Development, to unlock both the economic and social potential of rural Ireland. We will ensure that local communities have increased opportunities for jobs, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life."

Minister Humphreys added:

"Through this Action Plan, I want to empower rural communities to realise their full potential. This is the first time that a cross Government plan, with targeted actions, has been produced to positively impact on rural communities. There is no quick fix for the challenges facing rural Ireland. Instead what we need is a co-ordinated and targeted approach to deliver for rural communities."

Read the full press release here.