05 October, 2021

The Hincks Centre’s Helen McGuirk was appointed MTU’s representative on the newly formed Our Rural Future: Higher Education and Research Network and attended the first gathering today. The network is part of the new Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 implementation strategy and is Chaired by the Government’s Department of Rural and Community Development.

The aim of the group of HEI representatives is to support the implementation of the policy and consult with colleagues involved in rural related research, teaching and learning, and other activities.

Key investments:

• €2.7 billion in the delivery of high-speed broadband to rural areas;
• €1 billion under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to support ambitious projects to regenerate towns and settlements of <10,000 people;
• €2 billion Urban RDF will support larger rural towns;
• Significant investment in Remote Working infrastructure / National Network.

New measures include the development of key strategic plans across a range of sectors:

• Outdoor recreation, agri-food, dark skies, island development and apprenticeships.

Rural Development Paradigm

Please contact Helen.McGuirk@mtu.ie if you would like more information on the network or to add your rural related activities to MTU’s list.

Further information on the Network is available in the Groups section of our website or by clicking here.