The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.

The consolidation into a new Department of both policy and supports in respect of community and rural development provides the means for a greater focus on creating vibrant and sustainable communities.  The Department also has responsibility for ensuring arrangements for strong oversight of the charities sector through facilitating the Charities Regulatory Authority in carrying-out its independent statutory role.

Statement of Strategy

The Department’s Statement of Strategy 2017-2020 was published on the 16 March 2018 and laid-out the below mission statement:

“To promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland”.