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 thei

r 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.

The Shackleton Experience Athy in Co. Kildare has been shortlisted for the 2026 RIAI Public Choice Award.Supported by ...
12/06/2026

The Shackleton Experience Athy in Co. Kildare has been shortlisted for the 2026 RIAI Public Choice Award.

Supported by €5.2 million through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the project transformed Athy's historic town hall into a visitor attraction celebrating the life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton.

The museum is a strong example of how investment in regeneration can help bring historic buildings back into use while supporting tourism and town centre renewal.

Further information on the award and shortlisted projects is available here:
www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll
Kildare County Council

Minister Dara Calleary TD recently visited County Roscommon to mark a number of community-focused investments.In Ballagh...
12/06/2026

Minister Dara Calleary TD recently visited County Roscommon to mark a number of community-focused investments.

In Ballaghaderreen, the Minister officially opened the refurbished Ballaghaderreen Library and launched Roscommon's first My Open Library service, extending access for members from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

The visit also included Castlerea Swimming Pool, where improvements supported through the Community Recognition Fund have enhanced facilities for staff and pool users.

These projects demonstrate the impact of targeted investment in community infrastructure, accessibility and public services across rural Ireland.

Read more > https://loom.ly/q5txQsc

Roscommon County Council

11/06/2026

🌿 Booking is now open for the National Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Comhairle na Tuaithe are delighted to announce the third National Outdoor Recreation Conference in support of Embracing Ireland's Outdoors – The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023–2027.

📅 Thursday, 25 June 2026
📍 Slieve Russell Hotel, Co. Cavan

The conference will bring together organisations from across the outdoor recreation sector to discuss national policy, hear about the latest developments and share valuable cross-border learnings.

Book your place today:
https://loom.ly/K9jcvlw

11/06/2026

CLÁR funding is helping to strengthen and support rural communities across Ireland.

During a recent visit to Co. Monaghan, Minister Dara Calleary officially opened refurbishments to the Community Gym and a car park in Aughnamullen GAA, delivered with support from the CLÁR programme.

The CLÁR programme supports rural communities through targeted investment in projects that help strengthen and build resilience in rural areas.

Applications for CLÁR Measure 3: Our Living Islands remain open until 3 July 2026.

More information: https://loom.ly/g_ECFyU

Monaghan County Council

09/06/2026

📍 Waterford Visit – Part 2

Minister Dara Calleary TD visited An Rinn, Portlaw, Tramore and Brill this week to officially open and visit a range of community-focused projects across County Waterford.

Highlights included improvements at Cóbh Heilbhic and Páirc Uí Shíotcháin in An Rinn, the opening of new trails at Tower Hill Woods in Portlaw, the KOKORO Visitor and Cultural Centre in Tramore and the BRILL Family Resource Centre .

These projects support recreation, tourism, cultural heritage and community wellbeing, helping communities across Waterford continue to grow and thrive.

Waterford City and County Council

Read more: https://loom.ly/9j0ABFM

09/06/2026

📍 Waterford Visit – Part 1

Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Cappoquin, Lismore, Lemybrien and Mahon Bridge this week to officially open and visit projects supported through Government investment in rural communities.

Projects included the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk, the ongoing regeneration of Cappoquin town centre, a new glamping pod facility in Lismore, improvements in Lemybrien Village Centre and upgrades to the Mahon Bridge Trailhead.

These investments are helping to strengthen communities, support tourism and recreation, and enhance local amenities across County Waterford.

Read more: https://loom.ly/9j0ABFM

Waterford City and County Council

Today Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Co. Waterford to officiate at a series of openings and sod turnings for project...
08/06/2026

Today Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Co. Waterford to officiate at a series of openings and sod turnings for projects aimed at strengthening communities and supporting regeneration across the county, including the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk, two sites from the Cappoquin Town Regeneration and Renewal Project, a new glamping pod facility in Lismore, and finally Cóbh Heilbhic and Coláiste na Rinne in An Rinn.

Read more > https://loom.ly/9j0ABFM

08/06/2026

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Trinity Point, 10-11 South Leinster Street
Dublin
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