Department of Rural and Community Development

CLÁR-Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects

CLÁR 2025 is now open for applications.

Responsible Dog Ownership

Your dog is your responsibility

LEADER

LEADER supports groups who improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

The Walks Scheme

Expressions of interest being invited for scheme which offers funding to landowners to maintain trails.

Consultations

Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 - Call for submissions 4 April 2025

National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland – Closing Phase Public Consultation 7 December 2023

National Philanthropy Policy Public Consultation 23 May 2023

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General Publications

Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 24 January 2025

'Buy social' and Socially Responsible Public Procurement report 26 November 2024

Ban on XL Bully dogs 20 September 2024

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Press Releases

Minister Calleary announces approval of €1.5 million to increase awareness among young people of Irish-language job opportunities 2 May 2025

Minister Jerry Buttimer opens the National Volunteer Management Conference 2025 30 April 2025

Minister Calleary officially opens major regeneration project in Mohill during visit to Leitrim 24 April 2025

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Policies

Rural Development

Community Development

Our Living Islands

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors - National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027

National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028

Services

Volunteer Services

Public library services

Dog Licences

Raise a concern about a charity

Find your local Public Participation Network

Ministers

Dara Calleary

Minister for Social Protection , Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Jerry Buttimer

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities , Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport

Senior Management

Mary Hurley

Secretary General of the Department of Rural and Community Development

Bairbre Nic Aongusa

Assistant Secretary for Community Development

Fintan O'Brien

Assistant Secretary for Rural Development and Regional Affairs

Kenneth Jordan

Assistant Secretary for Corporate Affairs and Strategic Development

About

The Department of Rural and Community Development is led by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and by Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport.