Rural White Paper Stakeholder Sub Groups update Minister (17/09/09)

17 September 2009

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has met with the chairpersons of the Rural White Paper stakeholder sub-groups.

The five stakeholder sub-groups have recently commenced work looking at rural issues and challenges within the five themes: Rural Vision, Rural Governance, Rural Services, Rural People and Rural Places.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister said: "This meeting is another important building block in our Rural White Paper plans. It is a clear illustration of my determination to progress this issue as quickly as possible. Now that the stakeholder sub-groups have commenced work, I will watch with interest the issues and challenges affecting our rural
communities which emerge from their work. The chairpersons of the sub-groups have provided me with progress reports today. I remain
confident that the sub-groups will make an important contribution to the delivery of a successful Rural White Paper."

"It is important that momentum on the Rural White Paper is maintained and I look forward to hearing further updates from stakeholders on
measures which they have identified which will help to ensure the future sustainability of our rural areas."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Programme for Government (PSA17) contains a commitment to develop
proposals for a Rural White Paper. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development is leading on the development of the Executive's Rural White
Paper.
2. The Rural White Paper Stakeholder Advisory Group has been tasked with
taking forward work in sub-group format looking at the many issues
facing rural communities now and in the future and identify possible
solutions to address these challenges. The sub-groups are being asked to
conclude their work by the autumn.
3. Work on developing the Rural White Paper will continue through the
rest of 2009 and into 2010 with public consultation on a draft document
taking place during 2010.
4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619.
Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number
07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.