Rural Development and Rural Policy

Rural Development Division (RDD) in DARD exists to implement EU and Government rural development policies and programmes with the aim of achieving a sustainable rural community. Rural Development Division is headed by Pauline Keegan, Director, and has offices in Omagh, Newry, Ballymena and Dundonald House, Belfast. Through management of EU and Government rural funding programmes, the division contributes to the Department's strategic goals of strengthening the social and economic infrastructure of rural areas, developing a more sustainable environment and improving the performance of farm businesses in the market place.

Grants and support under the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013 are now available.  To find out more, visit our dedicated Rural Development Programme Website or click on the link below.

Rural Policy Division develops policy on rural issues to ensure that these are an integral and important part of the Executive’s policies and programmes. Responsibilities include the development of proposals for the key roles of the rural champion, a reinvigorated and enhanced rural proofing process and a Rural White Paper. The Division is also designated as the Managing Authority for the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Rural Policy Division is headed by Keith Morrison and is based in Dundonald House.