Minister Canney welcomes major uplift in Rural Development funding and rollout of new RAPID scheme

Angelina Nugent

11 Dec 2025

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s NDP Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, which delivers a significant uplift in Rural Development Programme funding to €160-€176 million per year and introduces a new RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) type scheme to support disadvantaged communities.

Minister Canney said the combined impact of increased RDP funding and the new RAPID initiative represents a major step forward for rural regeneration and community-focused investment across the country.

The expanded RDP allocation will sustain and grow key schemes including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and CLÁR, enabling the continued delivery of regeneration projects, improved community facilities, and enhanced outdoor and recreational amenities nationwide.

“We are seeing the positive impact of rural investment every day – new enterprise hubs, community halls, improved streetscapes, upgraded local roads and better amenities. This uplift allows that work to continue at scale and reach even more communities,” Minister Canney said.

A central feature of the Sectoral Plan is the creation of a national RAPID-style scheme, backed by an expanded Community Development budget of €46-€51 million annually, which will provide targeted, place-based investment for the most disadvantaged communities. The original scheme targeted disadvantaged areas by pooling state resources for better services, infrastructure, education, and employment, especially for youth, with local committees driving projects.

“RAPID will deliver real, visible improvements – upgraded facilities and stronger community supports. Crucially, it ensures that areas facing disadvantage, rural or urban, are prioritised and not left behind,” Minister Canney said.

He added that the overall package represents a long-term commitment to strengthening rural Ireland:

“This plan puts serious momentum behind rural regeneration. The uplift in Rural Development Programme funding, together with a renewed RAPID scheme, will make a lasting difference in towns, villages and local rural communities across the country.”