Ireland hosts EU forum on shaping rural futures
Ireland recently welcomed European policymakers for a pivotal forum focused on advancing rural development strategies. Held in Naas, the event aimed to bolster cooperation and discuss future EU funding to support vibrant rural communities across the continent.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, welcomed a gathering of European policymakers and rural development experts to Ireland for a high-level forum on shaping the future of rural policy. This two-day event, held on 3-4 November 2026 at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, formed part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and drew on Ireland’s experience with its national plan, Our Rural Future.
The forum provided a platform to explore how national and regional policies can better support rural communities and influence the next Multiannual Financial Framework of EU funding. Minister Calleary announced Ireland’s formal commitment to the European Rural Pact, a collaborative initiative uniting governments and rural stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and ensure rural areas remain central to Europe’s development.
Contributions from key figures included Michael Mc Grath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, who emphasised the importance of investing in rural areas to foster economic resilience. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, highlighted the need for integrated policies spanning housing, transport, education, healthcare and digital connectivity to maintain rural attractiveness. The forum also celebrated the 35th anniversary of the LEADER programme, with Minister of State Jerry Buttimer recognising its crucial role in supporting rural communities through local action groups across Ireland.
The forum provided a platform to explore how national and regional policies can better support rural communities and influence the next Multiannual Financial Framework of EU funding. Minister Calleary announced Ireland’s formal commitment to the European Rural Pact, a collaborative initiative uniting governments and rural stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and ensure rural areas remain central to Europe’s development.
Contributions from key figures included Michael Mc Grath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, who emphasised the importance of investing in rural areas to foster economic resilience. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, highlighted the need for integrated policies spanning housing, transport, education, healthcare and digital connectivity to maintain rural attractiveness. The forum also celebrated the 35th anniversary of the LEADER programme, with Minister of State Jerry Buttimer recognising its crucial role in supporting rural communities through local action groups across Ireland.
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