Search results for Rural Affairs

It's the most significant vote in years for Scotland’s farmers

Henrietta Talbot looks at the upcoming Holyrood election and rural issues

How the changing face of farming is reflected in Scotland's election

The rural vote is a significant, but often overlooked, constituency in the Scottish Parliament election.

What do Scotland's political parties have planned for land policy, farming and wildlife management?

The varying manifestos show how different rural Scotland’s future would look under each party.

Annual report on NI rural needs monitoring published

Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir has published the latest Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report. The report provides a formal...

Healy-Rae calls for ‘far greater urgency’ on rural planning reform

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has said “far greater urgency” is needed to address the “growing difficulties” facing people trying to build homes in rural Ireland. Deputy Healy-Rae spo...

‘Local need’ rural planning rules ‘difficult to defend’ – TD

Laois Fine Gael TD William Aird has raised concerns about planning delays, rural housing restrictions and the operation of “local need” rules. He raised the issues during a meeting...

NI agriculture minister launches £2.2m rural grant

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has launched a £2.2 million capital grant for rural areas. Under the Rural Micro Capital Gran...

NI agriculture minister launches £2.2m rural grant

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has launched a £2.2 million capital grant for rural areas. Under the Rural Micro Capital Gran...

Govt preparing overhaul of rural housing rules - Tánaiste

Tánaiste Simon Harris has told the Fine Gael parliamentary party that the Government is preparing the biggest overhaul of rural housing rules in two decades.

Rural areas ‘need young people who are resilient, adaptable and supportive’

The requirement for more young people to play a proactive role within agriculture and rural society has never been greater. This is the clearly held view of Roberta Simmons, the ne...

Decision letters going out on ACRES Landscape Actions

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has announced that decision letters have started to issue on applications earlier this year for Landscape Actions (LAs)...

I worry for the rural pub, and yes, this one is personal too

Richard Alvin returns to the rural economy, and to the village pub at the heart of it. A defence of the countryside’s last surviving piece of community infrastructure. Read more:...

TD raises concerns over review process of NPWS MoUs

A TD has raised a number of concerns over the review process carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) into the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) it maintains...

Rising costs, red tape and erratic weather: Why helping Scottish farmers is a national priority

The incoming Scottish Government must recognise that agriculture really does matter – economically, environmentally and socially

Parties and policies now need to deliver for farming and crofting

Farmers and crofters are now looking for delivery rather than further consultation

A Rural Calling: Allyn Maxfield-Steele

Rural connectivity key to agric growth

PUBLIC investment should prioritise the ex­pansion of mobile broad­band and affordable data coverage in underserved rural and farming areas, the United Nations... To acc...

Committee to discuss impact of CPO use for greenways

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food will today (Wednesday, May 6) discuss the impacts of greenways, railways and road projects on farmers. During this afternoon’s session,...

Choosing next forestry minister is ‘crucial’ for govt – SEEFA

The Social, Economic, Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has expressed disappointment at Michael Healy-Rae’s resignation as Minister of State for forestry, farm...

Applications Open for RWAS Rural Leadership Programme 2026-‘27

Aspiring leaders from across Wales’ agricultural and rural sectors are being encouraged to take the next step in their personal and professional development. Applications for the R...

Rural Recovery in Scotland: The Challenges and Opportunities

Scotland is known for its breathtaking rural scenery. So much so that rural life can be a dream come true. But it can also be isolating. That is not good for someone struggling wit...

Here's what happened when NFU Cymru had 'hugely constructive' meeting with government

NFU Cymru's Welsh farming priorities have been put on the table in a meeting with the new Welsh Government cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability.

Decision letters on ACRES NPIs on way to farmers

Decision letters for non-productive investments (NPIs) under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will be issued to farmers in the coming days. The letters are in resp...

Important not to make distinctions between urban and rural – Kelly

Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly has stressed the importance of supporting those living in both rural and urban areas. The Fine Gael MEP was responding to comments made by his party co...