When, in 2007, there was approval for the Northern Ireland Rural Development program, a number of events were put into motion that would have a great impact on the rural sectors of the country. This program, which is set to last until 2013, has a number of actions and influences for the betterment of rural areas. This program is needed in order provide repair to rural areas which have suffered in the past and to bring the agricultural and cultural development that the area needs.
The program has a three part strategic aim and plan of action. These three parts include improving life for residents of the area by boosting economic development, using land management to help make improvements to the area to better support agricultural and economic activity, and using structured boosts to economic and agricultural impacts.
The main challenge to the program has to do with the constant downturn of commercial farming in the area. Because more farmers are having to seek another method of income, there is a slow and steady downturn in the number of truly working farms. However, the program works to change this by bolstering the economics of the area.
With the continued action of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Program, the area will continue to see a turnaround in the economy, the expansion, and the quality of life in the area.