Interregional workshop in Ireland under the Coop4RURAGov project
In the period of 17th – 18th of June 2025, an interregional workshop on “Building on the steps required and requirements to Embed Rural Proofing at Local, Regional and National Level and methods of Public Consultation” within the frame of the Coop4RURALGov project “Rural Proofing. Cooperation for better sparsely populated rural, coastal and mountain focused governance” took place in Galway, Ireland. The event was built upon findings from the Tallinn workshop held in May 2025 and took steps toward building a stronger foundation for evidence-informed, people-centred policy design by piloting an impact assessment tool and refining a practical method for assessing the potential impacts of rural policy projects on people and places.
On the first working day, the event started with a welcoming speech by Bernie Donnellan, a representative from the Galway City Council. During the meeting, the findings of the recent review of Public Participation Networks (PPNs) were presented. It was discussed how PPNs Influence – are they effective in existing structures as consultation Networks/linkage Groups.
The workshop brought together policymakers, technical experts, and rural development practitioners to test and refine a practical impact assessment tool designed specifically to make rural sensitivities visible in policy planning. The goal was to ensure that rural voices and realities are taken into account from the earliest stages of decision-making.
The meeting continued with proposals for consultations with the general public – Older Persons Forums/Disability Forums & Groups deemed socially excluded, e.g., travellers.
During the event, the participants presented presentations on some specific topics such as:
- “Rural Proofing Ireland” (An Overview of Rural Proofing in Ireland) – a holistic strategy providing a comprehensive framework for advancing rural areas;
- “The Rural Pact”.
Over the course of the two intensive days of the event, participants worked in small groups to apply a Rural Proofing Impact Assessment Matrix to a sample policy scenario. Through this exercise, they explored how structured tools can help anticipate social, environmental, and economic impacts on rural communities – and how to respond effectively.
On the second working day, a review of the main key findings and solutions from the first day was made. Then the consortium organized a Round Table where project partners summarized the conclusions from the Rural Proofing Workshop.
The event concluded with a Steering Committee meeting of project partners. The progress of activities was discussed, and the upcoming tasks and events were planned.
