Latest news with #OurRuralFuture
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
€50 million plan to create 5,000 jobs in Ireland's West and North West unveiled
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary officially launched the Western Development Commission's new five-year strategy 'Unlocking Potential, Driving Change: A Strategy for Regional Growth and Collaboration 2025–2029' in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The strategy outlines a roadmap to position Ireland's West and North West as national leaders in innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, with collaboration at its core. The strategy marks the next phase in the WDC's evolution, building on over 25 years of impact across enterprise, investment, and community development. It reflects a confident, tested regional model, now entering its most ambitious chapter. Minister Dara Calleary said: 'This is a roadmap for real impact. It shows how strategic collaboration and local leadership can turn national ambition into local opportunity. The Western Region is not waiting for change - it plans to shape it. The strategy aligns with Our Rural Future, the Governments rural development policy, and reinforces this Government's commitment to balanced regional growth, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity across Ireland.' 'This is not a new beginning, it's the next step,' said Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC. 'We've co-created a strategy that is both ambitious and grounded in what already works. In the years ahead, talent, not geography will shape the West's future. But talent needs the right conditions to thrive. That's why this strategy focuses on investing in high-potential companies, supporting resilient communities, and testing scalable solutions for rural Ireland. From AI to climate action, social enterprise to creative industries—we're building the platforms to turn regional potential into long-term impact.' The strategy is structured around four interconnected growth drivers—each designed to deliver outcomes: Heritage – safeguarding cultural and natural assets while fostering innovation rooted in place. Horizons – embracing global opportunities and scaling sectors like MedTech, renewable energy, AgriTech, and the creative economy. Harnessing Talent – supporting flexible work, digital skills, AI readiness, and inclusive careers across all life stages. Hubs – enabling collaboration and connectivity through a dynamic network of physical and digital infrastructure. To translate ambition into measurable impact, the strategy sets out a suite of key targets for 2025–2029, including: Investing €50 million in the region—€35 million through the WDC's evergreen Investment Fund and €15 million from EU funding sources. Supporting the creation of 5,000 jobs through enterprise and regional development projects. Reaching 400 Connected Hubs and evolving the network as a platform to deliver AI upskilling, digital transformation, and climate action directly into communities. Delivering over 100 high-impact projects across SMEs, social enterprises, and the creative sector through the Investment Fund and supporting a further 1,000 SMEs through EU-funded programmes. Reaching an annual audience of 1 million through initiatives that globally promote the Western Region. Eugene Cummins, Chairperson of the WDC, said: 'Unlocking regional potential takes more than investment, it takes cohesion. This strategy is a product of deep collaboration across sectors and communities. It reframes rural Ireland not as the periphery, but as a place of real and rising potential.' Over the next five years, the WDC will work closely with government departments, local authorities, enterprise agencies, communities, and academic institutions to ensure the region progresses as a unified whole, while recognising that different areas, particularly the Northwest, require tailored approaches. In a time of rapid change, where the way we work, climate resilience, and evolving technologies are reshaping every region, Unlocking Potential, Driving Change lays the foundation for inclusive, resilient, and future-focused growth. It is a strategy that brings policy, people, and possibility into alignment for the West, and for the country. The Western Development Commission operates under the auspices of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
Minister: ‘Agriculture is the core of rural Ireland'
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary has said that agriculture is 'the core of rural Ireland' both economically and socially. The minister was speaking in the Dáil this week about the steps being taken to address rural depopulation, by encouraging young people to remain in, or return to, rural areas. Minister Calleary outlined that the government's Our Rural Future policy for sustainable rural development seeks to ensure that all rural areas are attractive for people to live, work, and raise families in. In response, Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack claimed that the continuing loss of young people from rural areas is 'deeply worrying'. He said: 'The truth is that we are educating our children to live elsewhere. We equip them with the skills, ambition and drive but the jobs, housing and services they need to build a future in the locality are not in place. 'This trend is affecting everything – from school enrolments to local businesses and the fabric of rural community life. The longer it continues, the harder it becomes to reverse,' he added. Rural Ireland Deputy McCormack also highlighted the sharp decline in the number of young farmers in rural Ireland, and in his constituency. He believes that farming is 'the backbone' of rural life, but fewer young people see it as a viable future due to high entry costs, housing challenges and limited local supports. 'This is not just about agriculture, it shows how rural Ireland is becoming less accessible for the next generation. If we do not act, we will not just be losing farmers, but community leaders, volunteers and local families that hold rural life together,' Deputy McCormack said. 'I urge the department to recognise that rural regeneration depends on a strong, diverse rural economy, one that includes farming, but also services, trades and small enterprises.' Minister Calleary said that he will engage with farming organisations as part of the consultation process on Our Rural Future. He said: 'I assure Deputy McCormack that the involvement of young people in rural Ireland is core to this consultation process, because the process would be much weaker without their involvement and input. 'I welcome any deputy or senator who provides a targeted response on how we can support young people to remain in or to come back to rural Ireland to establish a business,' Minister Calleary added.
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Transformative Wexford project will help showcase New Ross in all its glory
The Brennan's Lane project began with detailed planning, design, and community consultation. Works commenced in 2024, with the laneway undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance safety, accessibility, and vibrancy. The project, executed by contractor MJS Civil Engineering with design and construction management from consultants Avanti Architects, has turned Brennan's Lane into a welcoming space that celebrates New Ross' heritage and supports local businesses and residents. Funded by a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Brennan's Lane refurbishment project was further supported by match funding from Wexford County Council, with the backing of the elected members, bringing the total investment to €891,000. The official opening was performed by Minister Dara Calleary, joined by Councillor Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Elected Members of Wexford County Council, Oireachtas members from Wexford, and invited guests. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts that have brought this vision to life. Speaking about the Brennan's Lane project, Minister Calleary said: 'I would like to commend the of members of Wexford County Council, both official and elected members, for their dedication in bringing this important project to completion. Significant work and engagement took place between the local community, New Ross Chamber of Commerce and the local authority to enable the delivery of this project. The connection between local authorities and communities is crucial for the development of projects that address the genuine needs of our towns and villages. This helps to maximise value for money from the investment of public funds. My commitment to support and develop rural towns and villages is underpinned by the objective of Our Rural Future, the Government's policy for rural development, and aims to create the conditions to make rural communities in Ireland more attractive to live, work and participate in.' Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said: 'It is with great pride that I stand here at the official opening of Brennan's Lane, a project delivered under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This revitalised laneway is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and community spirit, and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of New Ross town.' Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, said: 'This marks a significant milestone for New Ross, as we celebrate the completion of this refurbishment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Brennan's Lane, once a modest thoroughfare, has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects our ambition for the future of the town.' Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, stated 'The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane is the latest investment in the public realm of New Ross, and is another significant step forward in the regeneration of the town centre.' Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, remarked: 'This project showcases Wexford County Council's dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality. The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.' Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager of New Ross Municipal District said: 'I am delighted to see this excellent project opening for the people of New Ross to enjoy. The Brennan's Lane rejuvenation project has seen a serious team effort from everyone at New Ross Municipal District, working closely with the consultant and contractor, along with local businesses and tradespeople. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their tireless work on this project and we look forward to seeing this space come to life.' The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane aims to create a safer, more accessible thoroughfare, enhancing connectivity within the town and providing a space for residents, visitors, and businesses to thrive. This milestone underscores Wexford County Council's dedication to investing in the future of New Ross under the Government's rural development policy, Our Rural Future. Currently in the pipeline for New Ross is the construction of a skate park in Rosbercon, the development of a Norman Visitor Centre on the Quay, the pedestrianisation of Quay Street, and the provision of a Motor Home Park. These interventions will unlock the potential of New Ross town and help it grow and prosper as a major tourist destination town.
