Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

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Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

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Supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities. Latest news here: http://linktr.ee/deptrcd

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCD) is a government department in Ireland that is responsible for the development of rural and community initiatives in the country. The Department's mission is to support sustainable and inclusive economic and social development in rural areas, as well as to strengthen the role of communities in shaping the development of their local areas. Some of the key areas of responsibility for DRCDG include:

• Supporting the growth and development of rural economies and communities
• Providing funding for rural and community projects through a range of schemes and initiatives
• Developing and implementing policies aimed at promoting rural and community development
• Coordinating with other government departments and agencies to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to rural and community development

DRCDG oversees a range of different programs and initiatives that are designed to support rural and community development in Ireland. These include programs that provide funding for local projects, such as the CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) Program and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Department also oversees the work of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Leader Groups, and the Community Enhancement Programme. These programmes aims to support the development of infrastructure and services in rural areas, to promote economic development and to improve quality of life for people living in rural communities.

30/10/2026

Today at Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 in Killarney, Minister Dara Calleary TD, announced that he has approved a draft of the Language Standards and that the consultation process will commence immediately.

The Language Standards system represents one of the most significant developments ever in public policy regarding the Irish language, and it will serve as a robust cornerstone of the bilingual public service that is being developed for the future.

https://loom.ly/uXdplNg

30/10/2026

D’fhógair an tAire Dara Calleary TD, inniu ag Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 i gCill Airne go bhfuil dréacht de na Caighdeáin Teanga glanta aige agus go gcuirfear tús leis an bpróiseas comhairliúcháin orthu anois.

Tá córas na gCaighdeán Teanga ar cheann de na forbairtí is mó riamh i bpolasaí poiblí maidir leis an nGaeilge, agus beidh sé ina bhunchloch láidir den tseirbhís phoiblí dátheangach atá á forbairt de réir a chéile don todhchaí. Tá na Caighdeáin ina ngné lárnach d’Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 agus cuirfidh siad go mór le hinfheictheacht na Gaeilge agus infhaighteacht seirbhísí poiblí Gaeilge in Éirinn.

https://loom.ly/1iiaoxM

30/10/2026

🎬 Meet Tommy, Biddy and Nora.

💛 Every journey into employment is different. For some, it starts with building confidence. For others, it’s about developing new skills or finding the self-belief to take that next step.

👉 Swipe through to meet some of the people featured in our SICAP Story on employment.

🎥 Watch the full story here: See link in bio

29/10/2026

🚌 Tommy had always dreamed of getting his bus licence, but his challenges with reading and spelling knocked his confidence.

With support from SECAD, he says he found “belief in myself again” and ultimately secured a job with Local Link.

One of SICAP's key goals is helping people to find suitable employment and Tommy is a testament to that.

🎥 Hear Tommy tell his story as part of , see link in bio.

29/10/2026

📚 Libraries are at the heart of our communities — and across Europe, they're helping to shape a more connected and inclusive future.

🇮🇪🇪🇺 As part of Ireland's EU Presidency, representatives came together to explore the vital role of public libraries in supporting learning, inclusion, digital access and community life.

A great opportunity to share ideas, strengthen European connections and celebrate the difference libraries make every day.

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/press-releases/eu-presidency-conference-highlights-the-vital-role-of-public-libraries-in-europe/

28/10/2026

Tá Oireachtas na Samhna faoi lán seoil! ☘️🎶

A wonderful start to Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 in Killarney!

Minister Dara Calleary joined the celebrations today as one of the highlights of the Irish-language cultural calendar got underway.

Bringing together people from across Ireland and beyond, the festival is a celebration of our language, music, traditions and vibrant Irish-speaking communities.

Bainigí taitneamh as an bhféile! 💚

28/10/2026

✨ Every story is different. Every story matters.

Across Ireland, SICAP is helping people realise their potential, access new opportunities and strengthen their communities.

Now, we’re bringing some of those experiences to life through 2026, sharing the voices of the people and communities at the heart of SICAP.

🎥 Watch the full launch video, see link in bio

Changing Ireland Local Development Companies Network

28/10/2026

🏡 Rural Ireland is more than a place. It's the people, the communities and the opportunities that make it home. 🇮🇪

And there's so much more to come.

Our Rural Future 2026–2031 sets out a vision for vibrant towns and villages, thriving local businesses, stronger communities and a better quality of life across rural Ireland.

From creating opportunities to improving services and investing in the places we call home, it's about supporting rural Ireland for generations to come.

🎬 Take a look at what the future holds.
@
🔗 gov.ie/ourruralfuture

Dara Calleary TD Jerry Buttimer Lough Boora Discovery Park SOLAS - Scéalta an Atlantaigh Shackleton Experience Athy Campas Iosagain Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens Tramore National Surf Centre

27/10/2026

🏡 What does the future hold for rural Ireland? 🇮🇪

From thriving towns and villages to stronger local economies, better public services and more connected communities, Our Rural Future 2026–2031 sets out the next phase of rural development.

The new policy focuses on five key areas:

🏘️ Creating thriving rural places
🤝 Improving access to public services
💼 Supporting rural businesses and employment
💚 Building stronger, more resilient communities
🌱 Protecting our rural environment

It also introduces a new strategic rural investment initiative to help unlock major regional projects, alongside measures to tackle rural isolation and support communities.

📖 Want to know what's planned for your community?

Explore the policy and accompanying Action Plan 👇

🔗 https://loom.ly/uZJuUqQ

Dara Calleary TD Jerry Buttimer Government of Ireland

Address

Trinity Point, 10-11 South Leinster Street
Dublin
D02EF85

Website

http://gov.ie/drcdg

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