Introduction

Welcome to the Rural Needs section of the DAERA website.

The purpose of the Rural Needs section is to provide Public Authorities with information on their duties under the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 and to provide information on the guidance, advice and support available to Public Authorities to help them comply with their duties under the Act.

The Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016

The Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 came into operation for Government Departments and District Councils on 1 June 2017 and for the other Public Authorities listed on the Schedule to the Act on 1 June 2018. The Act imposes a duty on Public Authorities to have due regard to rural needs when carrying out certain activities and a duty to compile information on the exercise of the duties.

For a copy of the Act 2016 click here.

For a list of Public Authorities subject to the Act click here