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.