New policy will ensure investment in rural Kilkenny says local TD
Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and Party Spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, has said the launch of Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2026–2031 marks a significant commitment to strengthening rural communities through targeted investment, improved services and new opportunities for growth.
The six-year strategy builds on significant investment in rural Ireland, including a record €628 million secured for rural and Gaeltacht communities in 2027 alone.
Deputy Cleere said: “This new policy is about ensuring that investment matches the ambitions of our rural communities, with a clear programme of investment, services and supports for the years ahead.
“As Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Rural Affairs, I know how important it is that decisions made at national level reflect the realities of living and working in rural Ireland.
“Coming from rural Kilkenny myself, I understand the importance of protecting the future of our towns and villages. Across Carlow and Kilkenny, we have strong communities and local businesses that are central to rural life. We need to ensure they have the services, infrastructure and opportunities to continue growing and supporting future generations.”
Our Rural Future 2026–2031 contains 34 high-level commitments and more than 230 actions across five key areas: thriving rural places, high-quality public services, strong and diverse rural economies, resilient rural communities and sustaining the rural environment.
Deputy Cleere particularly highlighted the commitment to develop a new targeted support scheme for rural pubs, recognising their important role in tackling rural isolation, supporting local employment and sustaining community life.
“Rural pubs are much more than businesses. In towns and villages across Carlow and Kilkenny, they are important places for people to meet, socialise and stay connected with their neighbours. They also provide valuable local employment and contribute to the wider economy of our rural communities.
“I particularly welcome the commitment to develop a targeted support scheme for rural pubs. With the challenges facing many rural businesses, it is important that we recognise the contribution these establishments make to community life and ensure they have the support needed to remain viable.
“In many rural areas, the local pub is one of the few remaining places where people can come together. This is particularly important for older people and those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.
“Having grown up in rural Kilkenny, I know how important these establishments are to the social fabric of our towns and villages. Supporting rural pubs is about protecting local jobs, but it is also about protecting the places that bring communities together.”
Deputy Cleere concluded:“I want to commend Minister Dara Calleary on his work in developing this policy. It recognises that rural communities have different needs and that investment must reflect those needs.
“As Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Rural Affairs, my priority is ensuring that the commitments contained in this strategy translate into real improvements for people living in rural Ireland. Whether it is improving local services, supporting businesses, tackling isolation or investing in community facilities, we need to see practical measures that make a difference on the ground.
“I look forward to working with Minister Calleary to deliver these commitments and will continue to ensure that the voices of rural communities, including those across Carlow and Kilkenny, are heard at the highest levels of Government.”