Ireland’s rural communities, voluntary organisations, Gaeltacht areas and offshore islands are set to benefit from a major Budget 2027 investment. The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has secured €628 million for programmes supporting regional regeneration, social inclusion, the Irish language and island connectivity.
Announced on 8 October 2026 by Minister Dara Calleary and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, the package is designed to maintain existing supports while expanding several key schemes.
Budget 2027 funding breakdown
The €628 million allocation is divided across three broad areas:
- €208 million for rural development
- €259 million for community development
- €161 million for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and islands
The department will also have €273 million for capital investment, with €355 million assigned to current expenditure supports.
Rural development receives €208 million
Funding will continue for major rural investment schemes, including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the Local Improvement Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
LEADER funding will rise from €32 million in 2026 to €43 million in 2027, while the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will receive €23 million. These programmes support local infrastructure, town-centre improvements, outdoor amenities and economic activity across rural Ireland.
Additional current funding will support the Walks Scheme, TidyTowns, agricultural shows and Connected Hubs. Almost €3.3 million will also be provided for the Western Development Commission.
Community development and social inclusion
Community development funding will increase to €259 million. The Community Services Programme will receive an additional €5 million, bringing its annual allocation to €64.4 million. The increase is intended to help existing organisations manage wage pressures and allow new organisations to enter the programme.
Almost €74 million will be allocated to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, known as SICAP. The funding provides longer-term certainty for initiatives supporting integration, new arrivals and communities experiencing disadvantage.
Other measures include:
- An additional €2 million for the Local Enhancement Programme
- €1 million more for the SÍOL programme
- Enhanced support for national community organisations
- €8.7 million for the Charities Regulatory Authority
- €3.06 million for Water Safety Ireland
These measures complement wider public services delivered through bodies including gov.ie, Citizens Information Board and the National Disability Authority.
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Gaeltacht, Irish language and island supports
The €161 million allocation will strengthen Gaeltacht schemes, Irish-language initiatives and island services. Current funding will rise by €5 million, including increases for language support, language planning and Gaeltacht development.
Funding for island transport services will increase by €1.5 million to €13 million, while €16.6 million in capital funding will support infrastructure projects. Planned projects include the Inis Oírr pier in County Galway, an Irish Language and Cultural Hub on Harcourt Street, and redevelopment works at Ionad Oideachais agus Óige Indreabhánn.
Foras na Gaeilge will receive €1 million for North-South cooperation. Údarás na Gaeltachta’s overall allocation will rise to €41.96 million, while €2.17 million will be provided for An Coimisinéir Teanga.
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What the allocation means for Ireland
Minister Calleary said the funding will support the forthcoming Our Rural Future 2026–2031 policy and help create resilient, vibrant rural communities. Minister Buttimer highlighted the importance of long-term support for social inclusion and the community and voluntary sector.
The announcement is a departmental press release rather than a complete overview of all national Budget measures. Other agencies and departments, including Finance, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Health, Transport and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will publish separate allocations.
Key takeaway
Budget 2027 provides €628 million for rural regeneration, community services, Gaeltacht development and island connectivity. For local authorities, community organisations and Irish-language initiatives, the focus is on maintaining vital supports while providing increased funding and greater certainty for the years ahead.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
