Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

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Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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.

05/10/2026

Back in June, Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Carrickmacross, where he officially opened the Cloughvalley Sensory Garden and Play Area.

Funded through the Community Recognition Fund, the project has created a welcoming outdoor space for the community, combining a sensory garden, play area and outdoor classroom.

It provides a space to connect with nature, support hands-on learning and enjoy the outdoors.

Monaghan County Council

01/10/2026

🚐 €2.5 million for vital services in rural communities.

Minister Dara Calleary TD has today announced €2.5 million under the 2026 CLÁR programme to deliver 44 vehicles for community and voluntary organisations across rural Ireland.

The funding will support search and rescue groups, community first responders, meals on wheels services, accessible transport and organisations helping people access cancer care and other essential services.

Through CLÁR, we're supporting vital services that make a real difference in rural communities.

🔗 Read more: https://loom.ly/mBXfMhs

27/09/2026

🥾 Today is National Walking Day!

Stretching from Cashel, Co. Tipperary to Ardmore, Co. Waterford, St Declan’s Way takes walkers through some spectacular countryside along this historic route.

St Declan’s Way is one of the trails supported through the Walks Scheme, helping to maintain and enhance walking trails across rural Ireland.

Where are you walking today? 🚶‍♀️🚶

For more on the Walks Scheme: https://loom.ly/xtyDPHk

27/09/2026

I have announced today that I have approved a grant of €125,479 to install a new roof on Halla Naomh Breandáin, Eachléim.

The hall is a vital facility for the area, used by a wide range of groups including Coláiste Uisce, Club Óige na hEachléime, Foróige, Club Iomartha An Fhóid Dhubh, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Gaeilge Iorrais, summer camps, the national school, and the local preschool.

Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile is doing tremendous work for the Irish language in the language planning area and in North Mayo; this essential work will greatly enhance the safety and viability of the hall as a community facility.

It gives me great pleasure to support projects in my own Gaeltacht county, and as Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I am committed to supporting communities across all Gaeltacht areas in developing and providing excellent facilities for the public.

Western People CFID, Eachléim Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht The Connaught Telegraph The Mayo News Cllr. Sean Carey

26/09/2026

Visits to public libraries around Ireland have increased by two million in the last two years, new figures show as National Public Libraries Open Day takes place nationwide.

Ar Lá Eorpach na dTeangacha, déanaimid ceiliúradh ar an nGaeilge — ceann de 24 theanga oifigiúla an AE — á húsáid go lae...
26/09/2026

Ar Lá Eorpach na dTeangacha, déanaimid ceiliúradh ar an nGaeilge — ceann de 24 theanga oifigiúla an AE — á húsáid go laethúil in obair Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomhairle an AE.

On European Day of Languages, we celebrate Irish — one of the EU's 24 official languages — in daily use across the work of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU.

26/09/2026

📚 National Public Libraries Open Day 2026 is today!

Libraries across Ireland are inviting everyone to “Take a Closer Look” at what their local library has to offer.

Your library is much more than books. With free membership, you can access books, eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, online learning and language resources, events, creative activities, digital supports and much more.

Whether you’re already a library member or have never joined, today is a great opportunity to discover something new.

And if you can’t make it to your local library, you can join online and start exploring the resources available through Ireland’s public library network.

Everyone is welcome. Library membership is free.

Your Library. Take a Closer Look.

25/09/2026

An amazing event in the beautiful Ballykeefe Amphitheatre from Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, well done to all involved

Over €1.6 million in funding has been announced for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid.Minister Dara ...
22/09/2026

Over €1.6 million in funding has been announced for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Protestant Aid.

Minister Dara Calleary TD and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD announced the continued funding to support the valuable work of both organisations.

🔹 €1.41 million for the SVP - Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ireland
🔹 €250,000 for Protestant Aid

The funding will help support access to essential services and resources, including food, education, household necessities and emergency hardship assistance for those most in need.

https://loom.ly/FZafEDg

21/09/2026

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 is next week from 28th September to 2nd October.

This year’s theme, 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, highlights the difference that can be made when local people have the support, resources and opportunities to shape their own communities.

We encourage you to see what’s on in your local area and to join in the activities. Local Development Week is a great opportunity to learn more about the Local Development Company near you, to see the work they are doing and if there’s anything that can support you or your local community group.

This year we also have a 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 where beneficiaries of support from Local Development Companies can write a note of thanks or tell the story of how their lives have changed.

Learn more and get involved 👉 https://ldcn.ie/local-development-week/



Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD Jerry Buttimer

📸 Photo below courtesy of Connect Laois from their SICAP Community BBQ in Gort Na Noir Community Centre, Abbeyleix, which was a collaboration between SICAP and Respond Housing Association.

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