Driving Balanced Regional Development & Supporting Rural Communities

Driving Balanced Regional Development & Supporting Rural Communities

Fine Gael is the Party of Rural Ireland. We established a dedicated Department of Rural and Community Development which has delivered unprecedented investment in towns, villages and parishes across the country. We pioneered Regional Enterprise Plans to deliver jobs to every part of the country. Fine Gael was the only political party to support and establish the National Broadband Plan, Ireland’s 21st century equivalent of rural electrification. There are now more people living in rural Ireland than ever before; there are more people working in rural Ireland than ever before; and there is more investment going into rural Ireland than ever before. We are determined to build on this strong progress over the next five years.

Fine Gael’s Blueprint for Rural Communities

€2 Billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
Establish a Rural Delivery Team in every Local Authority
Roll out Town Centre First Plans nationwide
Complete roll-out of high speed broadband to 1.1 million homes
New €100,000 Town Centre Living Grant
Ensure majority of IDA jobs are in the regions
Support one off rural housing
Make Rural Ireland a premier destination for adventure tourism
Run a targeted North-West Development Fund
Support and Expand services in local Post Offices
Publish a new Rural Safety Plan & increase the number of Gardai on the beat in communities
Promote Remote & Flexible Working
Utilise Connected Hubs as an incubation space for Start-Ups
Deliver key road projects and increase funding for maintenance of local roads

Project Ireland 2040

Fine Gael created Project Ireland 2040, a long-term, sustainable growth plan for all regions.

Balanced Population Growth: We will guide 50% of population growth into the cities of Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Cork, and Dublin, with the remaining 50% directed to rural areas.
Re-launch the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF): Provide a new capital injection to regenerate Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.
Digital and Green Transitions: Embrace the opportunities these transitions offer for rural Ireland, equipping communities to benefit from digital connectivity and sustainable infrastructure.

High-Speed Broadband for every business, home and farm

Fine Gael was the only political party to support and then establish the groundbreaking National Broadband Plan. Fibre roll-out in the State intervention area has passed over 300,000 premises and over 100,000 homes, farms and businesses have now connected to high-speed fibre broadband under the NBP. The Covid pandemic showed us the enormous potential that lies in a more connected and digitally enabled rural Ireland.

That is why Fine Gael is committed to making high-speed broadband accessible to everyone in Ireland. We recognise the immense opportunities that connectivity can generate for work, education, health, and rural development. With significant progress already achieved, our National Broadband Plan is transforming connectivity across the country, particularly in rural areas.

Fine Gael will

Complete National Fibre Roll-Out by 2026: Finish installing high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, and strive to complete it ahead of schedule.
100 Day Plan for Blackspots: Within the first 100 days of a new Government, commence discussions with National Broadband Ireland and other operators on broadband blackspots not currently included in the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area, and which remain unlikely to be served by commercial operators, to assess the number of properties and develop solutions.
Back the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce: Continue to support the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in eliminating mobile phone and internet black spots, particularly along roads and rail networks, ensuring seamless connectivity in transit areas.
Strengthen Digital Public Services: Leverage digital advancements to improve public services, particularly in health and education, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
High-Speed Internet in Schools: Equip all schools with high-speed internet, ensuring that students are prepared for a digital future with access to technology resources and adaptive learning methods for diverse abilities and learning styles.

Fine Gael’s broadband strategy supports a connected, digitally empowered Ireland, promoting equal access to technology for urban and rural communities alike.

Promoting Remote Working

Remote Working has been a game changer for rural Ireland. It means less time commuting and more time with your family. It allows people to work from their own community and supports the local economy in rural Ireland.

Fine Gael is the only Party to have driven the remote work agenda. We introduced the right to request remote work and we established Connected Hubs, the national network of remote working hubs.

Fine Gael will

Embed Hybrid and Remote Working: We will promote flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers.
Review the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework: We will consider how the public sector can adopt a coherent approach to blended working and remote work.

Connected Hubs

Fine Gael established the national network of 400 Connected Hubs. These hubs are having a positive impact in rural communities and have huge additional potential. We will build on successful models such as DigiClare and the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, which has not only facilitated remote working, but has become a hub of community activity in West Cork.

Fine Gael will

Expand the remit of Connected Hubs: We will unlock new opportunities in rural communities, enabling remote work, e-health, remote learning and digital engagement.List
Utilise Connected Hubs as an incubation spaces for Start-Ups: Through the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland, we will promote Connected Hubs as incubation spaces for local entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Landing Space for FDI: Through IDA Ireland, we will promote the Hub network as a potential landing space to be used by workers in FDI companies.
Support Learning and Career Development: Continue rolling out Learning Gates in Connected Hubs to bring third-level education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities to rural locations, supporting career progression and skill development.
Develop a virtual Marketplace: Enable local businesses to reach new customers through a virtual platform.
Support Social Enterprise: Encourage social enterprise to utilise the hubs as a solution for local community needs.
Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme: We will roll out a further round of the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme

Driving Job Creation in the Regions

Fine Gael’s ambition is to create the conditions necessary to add 300,000 jobs by 2030, surpassing the milestone of 3 million people in employment. We recognise that achieving this goal will require strategic investments, supportive policies, and a focus on fostering a vibrant economy. The majority of jobs created in IDA and Enterprise Ireland companies are now outside of Dublin.

Fine Gael will

Work with IDA Ireland to spread foreign direct investment across the country: Our goal is to ensure that at least half of IDA investments are located outside of Dublin, promoting balanced regional development.
Expand advanced manufacturing facilities: We will enhance the availability of these facilities to attract more foreign direct investment to regional locations in Ireland.
Develop pathways for knowledge sharing: We will facilitate collaboration between larger FDI companies and indigenous firms, particularly focusing on digitisation and the green transition.
Fund five new cluster organisations: Under a new National Clustering Programme, we will establish these organisations within one year to facilitate collaboration and collective action among related companies, as well as partnerships with higher education institutions and public sector bodies.

These initiatives aim to strengthen Ireland’s economic landscape by empowering domestic companies to thrive globally and ensuring a robust environment for foreign direct investment.

Town Centre First

Fine Gael introduced the Town Centre First model which brings together local leaders from public agencies, local businesses, and community groups to develop comprehensive plans for their towns. Now is the time to be more ambitious for this potentially transformative “audit and plan” approach for driving regeneration in towns and villages.

Fine Gael will

Increase the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to €2 billion: The Fund will focus on projects which support rural job creation and infrastructure improvements in rural towns.
Town Centre First Plans: Ensure a comprehensive, locally led Town Centre First Plan is developed for every town.
Establish a Rural Delivery Team in every Local Authority: Fine Gael will establish a dedicated Rural Delivery Team in every local authority to bring a coordinated and strategic approach to rural development at local level and ensure that Government funding meets the needs and delivers maximum impact in our communities.
Develop Strategic Community Projects: Work with communities to create key projects in safety, health, connectivity, and town renewal.
Solve Local Issues and Share Successful Models: Address local challenges with an integrated approach and adopt best practices from other regions.

Tackling Vacancy & Dereliction

Fine Gael will

Scale Up Successful Models: We will scale up successful models such as the Rural Limerick Housing Development scheme as a model for tackling dereliction and bringing vacant properties back into residential use to be sold on the open market. Through an enhanced Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, we will mandate local authorities to adopt similar programmes across the country.
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant: Continue to roll-out the successful Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of up to €70,000 to bring derelict properties in rural towns and villages back into use.
Release cashflow for refurbishments: We will facilitate a mid-project phased payment equal to half of the vacancy grant to assist with cash flowing the renovation costs.
Introduce a new €100,000 Town Centre Living Grant: We will introduce a new grant of €100,000 specifically to convert above the shop type premises in rural town centres for residential use in recognition of the additional complexities involved in renovating these properties.
Promoting “Over the Shop” Living: Fund demonstration projects to showcase successful conversions and extend planning exemptions for commercial-to-residential conversions until 2030.
Expand the Building Acquisition Programme: Enable communities to purchase and repurpose vacant buildings for local use.
Acquiring derelict sites: Make it easier for local authorities to CPO properties, using best practice for acquisitions via the Derelict Sites Act, as opposed to the Housing Act.
Repair and Lease Scheme: Fine Gael will continue the Repair and Lease Scheme for five more years, targeting 1,000 additional homes annually to maximise the use of vacant properties for social housing
Scale up the Town and Village Renewal Scheme: We will introduce a more ambitious Town and Village Renewal Scheme with a greater focus on repurposing vacant buildings in rural towns and villages.
Expand Rural Water Schemes: Address wastewater needs in villages lacking access to public treatment facilities.

Supporting One-Off, Rural Housing

Fine Gael will

Take a practical approach to one-off housing: Recognising the value of building thriving communities and family support structures in rural Ireland.
Continue to support one-off self-builds: Through the Help to Buy Scheme, the First Home Scheme and the Local Authority Home Loan.
Invest in Rural Water Services: We will continue to support Group Water Schemes under the Rural Water Programme.

Targeted Focus on the North-West Region

We recognise that the North-West region has been identified as requiring additional support.

Fine Gael will

Run a new North-West Development Fund: Modelled after the successful Border Enterprise Development Fund, this fund will support enterprise and job creation in the North-West, driving regional growth.
Cross Border Projects: Fine Gael will complete flagship cross-border projects such as the Ulster Canal restoration and the Narrow Water Bridge project.

Making Rural Ireland a premier destination for Adventure Tourism

One of rural Ireland’s greatest strengths is its stunning natural amenities. Every county has its own hidden gems whether it’s our forest parks, mountains, rivers, greenways, bogs or our beautiful beaches.

We have seen the huge economic benefits projects like the Waterford Greenway have delivered for local towns and villages. Fine Gael plans to make Ireland a destination of choice for adventure tourism and outdoor pursuits.

Fine Gael will

Invest in Greenways and Cycle routes: Continue developing a connected network of greenways and cycle routes across Ireland, encouraging sustainable travel and expanding scenic options for tourists.
Develop Blueways: Collaborate with partners north and south of the border to expand blueways, enhancing water-based tourism and recreational opportunities.
Increase funding for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme: Continue to progressively increase funding for this scheme which develops natural amenities such as greenway, walkways, tidal pools and other unique amenities at local level.
Enhance our regional tourism brands: Work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, further advancing the experience brands of Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin.
Increase investment in Coillte Forest Parks: We will continue to provide funding to Coillte to develop and enhance amenities at our Forest Parks across the country.List item

Supporting our Island Communities

Fine Gael will

Provide ring-fenced funding for island communities: We will provide ringfenced funding for projects on the islands under all rural development funding programmes.
Implement the Our Living Islands: Fine Gael introduced the first national policy for our islands in decade. We will ensure its actions our fully implemented to support sustainable development for island residents.
Roll out e-health facilities on all offshore islands: We will replicate the successful virtual health project implemented on Clare Island and look to roll this out on all islands.

Tackling Rural Crime

Fine Gael will

Recruit 6,000 Garda Recruits nationwide: We will provide funding to recruit 6000 Garda Recruits over the next 5 years ensuring more Gardai on the beat in communities across the country.
Publish a new Rural Safety Plan: Focus on Community Safety, Burglary and Theft, Roads Policing, Animal Crime, and Heritage Crime.
Establish Community Safety Partnerships: Create at least one in every Local Authority Area, with a new statutory obligation to deliver community safety, and increase the Community Safety Fund.
Prioritise community policing: Ensure each community policing area has a dedicated community garda, so everyone knows their local officer and how to contact them, ensuring high visibility.
Upgrade Garda Stations Nationwide: Implement a new Garda Capital Plan to deliver modern, well- equipped Garda stations across the country.

Community Initiatives

Community and voluntary organisations are the lifeblood of rural Ireland. The social bonds they create are a crucial part of what attracts people to rural Ireland.

Fine Gael will

Community Centre Investment Fund: Fine Gael introduced the new Community Centre Investment Fund. We will make this a permanent rolling fund to upgrade and refurbish local community centres.
Invest in Sports Facilities at grassroots level: Fine Gael re-established the Sports Capital Programme and we will continues to prioritise investment in sports facilities in local communities nationwide.
Expand the CLÁR Programme: Extend this programme to more areas, providing resources to address depopulation and rural challenges.
Increase Support for Men’s Sheds and Launch Women’s Sheds: Provide increased funding for Men’s Sheds and establish a Women’s Shed movement with similar support.
Agriculture Shows: Fine Gael will continue to support our local Agricultural Shows with funding in recognition of the unique contribution they make to rural communities.
Expand Library Access: Triple the My Open Library facilities and enhance library sensory spaces for inclusive community use.
LEADER: We will engage at EU level to increase funding for the next LEADER Programme and examine how we can reduce bureaucracy and simplify the application process.
SICAP: Progressively increase funding for the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme which is critical to addressing social exclusion and disadvantage in communities.
Community Services Programme: Continue to expand the Community Services Programme to new organisations over the lifetime of the next Government.
Community Employment Programmes: Continue to support and increase the places on successful local programmes such as CE, TÚS and the Rural Social Scheme which do vital work in local communities.

Supporting and Expanding the Impact of Ireland’s Post Office Network

Fine Gael is committed to ensuring Ireland’s post office network remains a vital service for local communities, especially in rural areas. Fine Gael in government invested €30 million over three years to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network and we aim to further support post offices, maintaining their role in delivering essential services and exploring new ways to maximise their potential for local communities.

Fine Gael will

Maintain Financial Support for Post Offices: Continue to back the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities.
Expand Social Welfare Services through Post Offices: Uphold our commitment to delivering DSP payments, like jobseekers allowance, through post offices, ensuring these services remain easily accessible across Ireland.
Collaborate on Preserving Heritage Post Office Buildings: Partner with An Post and local communities to identify and preserve heritage post office buildings that are no longer in operation, respecting their historical value and exploring potential new uses.

Fine Gael’s approach aims to keep post offices central to community life, supporting their continued role in delivering services while preserving Ireland’s postal heritage.

Rural Transport

Fine Gael will

Increase Funding for Local Improvement Schemes: Provide additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) to improve road safety through enhanced junctions, footpaths, and bends.
Separate Budgets for Roads: Establish distinct budgets for road maintenance and new road construction starting in 2025 to ensure sustained investment.
Boost Rural Connectivity through Local Link: Increase Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns, and cities.

Road Infrastructure

Fine Gael recognises that a robust road network is crucial for connectivity.

We will

Advance Key Road Projects: Continue developing essential road projects, including those listed and other significant national routes:
Galway Outer Ring Road: Aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Galway City by providing an alternative route around the city.
M20 Cork–Limerick Motorway: Plans for a dual carriageway motorway with a 120 km/h speed limit, reducing intercity journey times by approximately 30 minutes and significantly enhancing safety.
N26 (Swinford–Ballina): Upgrades to improve connectivity and safety between Swinford and Ballina.
N24 (Waterford–Limerick): Enhancements to facilitate better transport links between Waterford and Limerick.
Adare Bypass: Designed to reduce traffic congestion in Adare, improving travel times and local quality of life.
Killarney Bypass: Aims to divert through traffic from Killarney town centre, easing congestion and enhancing the visitor experience.
N52 (Kilbeggan–Tullamore): Upgrades to improve safety and efficiency on this route.
M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road: Enhancements to support economic activity by improving access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy.
N72 Mallow Relief Road: Plans to alleviate traffic congestion in Mallow by providing an alternative route.
N17 (Collooney–Knock): Upgrades to improve connectivity in the west of Ireland.
N59 (Newport–Derrada): Enhancements to improve safety and accessibility in this region.
Increased funding for new and existing roads: We will increase funding for new roads and the maintenance of existing roads.
Expand the Western Rail Corridor: Progress the Western Rail Corridor, starting with reinstating the Claremorris to Athenry line for regional connectivity and freight transport.
Implement the All-Island Strategic Rail Review: Work collaboratively to deliver the recommendations from this review for improved connectivity across the island of Ireland.

Supporting our Regional Airports

Fine Gael wants to encourage more traffic through our regional airports.

We will

Review National Aviation Policy: Conduct an urgent review to maximise the use of regional airports including Knock, Shannon, Cork, Donegal and Kerry. We will continue to progress Waterford Airport by ensuring matching funding for the proposal to lengthen and widen the runway.
Promote Sustainable Aviation: Develop a National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap and support Shannon Airport as a hub for testing new aviation technologies.
Developing Air Cargo Infrastructure: Assess the feasibility of an all-island (North-South) approach to strengthening speed to market and competitiveness of indigenous and FDI exporting firms, especially when it comes to the provision of air cargo infrastructure.