Muir publishes Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report 2023-2024
Date published:
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has published the 7th Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report.
The Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the Act) 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 Act applies to Northern Ireland government departments, district councils and the other public authorities listed in the Schedule to the Act.
The Annual Monitoring Report is an integral part of the rural needs monitoring process as it provides a formal 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 which can affect rural areas differently compared to urban areas.
While both rural and remote rural areas share characteristics such as low population density and poor infrastructure, remote rural areas face additional challenges due to their geographical isolation and limited access to essential services.
Publishing the Report, Minister Muir said: “Rural areas can face many challenges, which contrast greatly with urban areas such as increased costs of living, risk of social isolation and difficulties in accessing services, including public transport services, mental health and affordable childcare.”
It is important for public authorities to determine any potential barriers to the delivery of a fair and equitable outcome for rural communities and consider how these barriers can be mitigated or overcome. The Rural Needs Impact Assessment process helps ensure that these issues are considered by public authorities when carrying out their functions.
Minister Muir concluded: “I remain committed to ensuring that the needs of rural communities continue to be considered for people living and working in rural areas and DAERA, in partnership with other departments, has a pivotal role to play.”
A copy of the Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024.
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