Affordable housing highlighted in DAERA rural strategy consultation

The challenge of delivering affordable rural housing is among the issues the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) aims to address through its draft strategy, Rural NI: Our New Approach 2026–2041, which is currently out for public consultation.

Consultation detail

While housing is one of the areas identified for attention, the strategy takes a broader view of the future of rural Northern Ireland, focusing on access to services, community development and how government responds to changing rural needs.

The following proposals may also be of interest to architects and others working in the built environment:

• The Department proposes establishing Local Strategic Rural Partnerships across council areas (excluding Belfast initially) to help identify local priorities and shape future decisions.
• The Department is proposing an Enabling Rural Fund to support community-led action and unlock additional investment in rural areas, alongside a Rural Collaboration Fund to encourage cross-department working on shared rural challenges.
• The strategy highlights how a lack of footpaths and street lighting can affect access to services, safety and inclusion in rural communities.

Have your say

The deadline for responses is Monday 1 June 2026.

RSUA is considering a response to this consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk