Rural Development Policy Statement

Organisations working in the area of rural development welcomed the reference within the Programme for Government to ‘rural proofing’ across all government departments. However, as an awareness raising process, this is no substitute for a comprehensive policy instrument, ie a Rural White Paper, which is needed as a driver for change across all departments.

There is still tension between agriculture and rural Development and a lack of recognition of the interdependence of urban and rural areas, and the diversity within and between rural areas. These larger issues should be addressed to ensure social and spatial equity throughout Northern Ireland.

Poverty, social exclusion and inequalities exist in rural Northern Ireland, though they are often hidden and isolated and are poorly picked up in the Noble Indicators of Deprivation. Rural communities also experience the same sectarian divisions as the wider society.

Political parties and the Assembly should:

• Task the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with taking the lead on the development of a White Paper which creates robust working linkages across all government departments. This should be in the public arena within one year.
• Ensure that the White Paper recognises and endorses the established rural community infrastructure (Rural Community Network and Rural Support Networks) and that it is properly resourced at all levels, from government departments through to District Councils.
• Encourage the widest public debate and the involvement of the voluntary and community sector as a whole in consultation on the White Paper to ensure that models of best practice and experience can inform rural development.