(AGENPARL) - Roma, 18 Agosto 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

18 August 2026

The consultation, launched by Minister Andrew Muir on 9 March 2026, closed on 1 June 2026.

To support the consultation, 11 in-person public engagement events were held across Northern Ireland, and two online events, with representatives from more than 64 organisations participating alongside individual citizens.

136 responses were received in response to the consultation survey, that included 57 from individuals and 79 from organisations.

Marking the publication of the summary of consultation responses, Minister Muir said: "I welcome the strong response to this consultation and thank everyone who took the time to share their views and attend engagement events.

"The feedback received will help ensure the final policy is informed by the lived experiences, needs and priorities of rural communities across Northern Ireland.

"My Department will now carefully consider all responses before recommendations are brought forward. This will support the next stage of policy development before the policy is brought to the Northern Ireland Executive for consideration."

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