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Rural Development the Policy Perspective

Rita McNultyAssistant Secretary12 November 2010

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Rural Development the Policy Perspective

• What underpins current Rural Development Policy in Ireland from both the Irish and EU Policy perspective?

• Some of the Main Policies, Strategies and Programmes that impact on and interact with Rural Development Policy in Ireland.

• Current and future issues and challenges facing rural development policies and programmes in Ireland.

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Key Developments and Policies

• Ireland’s joining the EEC in 1973• Designation of Ireland as an Objective 1 region and a

cohesion state for structural and cohesion funds• The EU LEADER Community initiative (1991)• NESC report “New Approaches to Rural Development” (1994)• The Cork Declaration - a Living Countryside (1996)• “Towards a Common Agricultural and Rural Policy” also

known as the Buckwell Report (1997) • The White Paper on Rural Development (1999) – “Ensuring

the Future – A Strategy for Rural Development in Ireland”

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Rural Development Policy in Ireland

White Paper published in 1999

new approach and commitment by Government to rural development

an overall strategic direction for Government policy

giving a focus to the needs of rural

communities

developments within agriculture and the resulting need for economic diversification

Vision for the development of rural communities

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Vision for the development of rural communities

economic and social well-being of rural communities

conditions for a meaningful and fulfilling life for rural areas / communities

standard of living and a quality of life: vibrant, sustainable communities, attractive to live and work

retain maximum number of rural households and especially family farms

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Vision for the development of rural communities

equity of opportunity between rural and urban

choice as to whether to stay in, leave, or move to rural Ireland

sufficient employment opportunities / sustainable economic development

access to education, adequate level of social and other services and infrastructure

rural communities to participate in the structures and decisions

the rural environment will be respected – sustainable development

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Institutional Arrangements

White Paper commitments reflected in sectoral policies pursued by Departments

designation of a ‘lead’ Department to provide improved focus and impetus for rural development policy

Rural Proofing – to ensure policies are examined for impact on rural communities

widely representative National Rural Development Forum to debate current issues and identify policy responses

closest possible co-operation with Northern Ireland

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• Propose to bring forward an update on Government Policy on Rural Development soon

• Short policy paper based on White Paper

– looking at the principles which are still valid

– challenges and opportunities going forward

– current Rural Dev Programme / LEADER post-2013 context

– Section on North-South cooperation

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LEADER Programmes

CLÁR Programme Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais - Weak Areas of High Priority

Rural Social Scheme

Rural Recreation

DCEGA Rural Development Initiatives

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EU Policy Context

• Common Agricultural Policy – the main policy mechanism for rural dev

• Late 1980s Reform of CAP

• Agenda 2000, The Rural Development Regulation became the 2nd Pillar of CAP

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EU Policy Context (contd)

Post 2013 Debate

• More equitable distribution of funding and enhanced environmental emphasis

• Pillar 11 focus more on competitiveness, innovation, climate change and environment

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EU Policy Context (contd)

• Direct Payments – Two functions, income support and provision of public goods. Should be more targeted.

• Rural Development – an integral part of CAP

• Need for coherence between Rural Dev Policy and other EU policies.

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Issues and Challenges

Issues and challenges for Rural Development Policy and Programmes in Ireland :

• Economic Downturn, Fiscal Constraints• Balance between governance,

accountability and not stifling innovation and risk taking

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Issues & Challenges (contd)

• Coherence among policy makers and service/programme deliverers at all levels

• Evidence and Impact-based Evaluation Framework

• Seek to devise a more holistic and effective way of rural proofing

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Questions