DAERA publishes Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report 2022 – 2023

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published the sixth Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report.

The Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 was introduced to help deliver fairer outcomes for rural communities in Northern Ireland by ensuring that the needs of people in rural areas are given due regard by public authorities when exercising their functions. The Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report provides a record of all Rural Needs Impact Assessments undertaken by public authorities. It details how rural needs have been considered by public authorities when developing and implementing policies, and in the design and delivery of public services.

DAERA’s Director of Rural Affairs, Teresa O’Neill, said: “The Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 has now been in operation for a number of years. The report demonstrates that the Rural Needs Impact Assessment process is now well established within public authorities and that the needs of people in rural areas are being routinely considered by public authorities when exercising their functions. Rural dwellers often face particular challenges in accessing public services, which can require a different approach to delivering public services in rural areas to ensure that rural dwellers are not disadvantaged. DAERA continues to work with public authorities to help ensure that the Act is implemented effectively and to encourage the development of new, innovative approaches to addressing the needs of rural communities.”

Download a copy of the Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report April 2022 – March 2023.

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email to: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
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3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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