The National Rural Network
Introduction
The National Rural Network (NRN) is a component of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 (RDP).
The Irish RDP, in common with all other member states, incorporates a networking forum which embraces the four axes of the Programme. This forum is known as the National Rural Network. In Ireland the Network Rural Network will be provided by the Rural Development Support Unit (RDSU) based in Tipperary Institute.
The Priorities of the National Rural Network in Ireland
The purpose of the National Rural Network is to assist in the efficient and effective implementation of the Rural Development Programme. It will operate across all axes and will seek to promote synergies across measures, encouraging individuals and organisations to work together and expand the possibilities available to farmers and rural development practitioners. The NRN will have a key role in supporting stakeholders to address issues of common and pressing concern. Issues which effect farm income and the future of rural communities. Global issues such as climate change which are having a real impact on how we can live and farm. These issues will be addressed in a comprehensive manner focusing on practical opportunities and challenges. They will be addressed by people with a real understanding of the situation “on the ground” and will be directed toward those who can best move things forward. The NRN will seek to develop relationships between stakeholders based on a common interest in building a dynamic and sustainable future for Agriculture and Rural Development.
The NRN will need to take into account the differences between the measures, their objectives, participants and approaches. The administrations and organisations involved in the delivery of Axes 1 and 2 are quiet different to the organisations responsible for Axes 3 and 4. On the whole the clients are different and indeed the axes are overseen by different Government Departments. While in some ways this is a challenge it also presents opportunities in time to build new relationships and creativity.
A significant focus of the work of the NRN will be to secure and co-ordinate the flow of information, including performance indicators, between local beneficiaries, intermediate bodies and the managing authority. There is also a strong emphasis on documenting and disseminating best practice across the four axes and in linking with the NRN in other member states and centrally at EU level.
Functions of the Network
The functions of the Network are clearly defined in the EU regulations, and the Rural Development Programme for Ireland and can be summarised as follows:
- The identification and grouping of stakeholders involved in agriculture and rural development programme
- Transfer of knowledge and best practice to beneficiaries through dissemination actions and exchange experiences
- The convening of relevant seminars, conventions and workshops to ensure the use of best practice in programme delivery
- Development of a state-of-the-art website; development of project and statistical databases including ability to capture performance indicators at each level of the hierarchy
- Publication of regular updates on programme delivery to as wide an audience as possible. Such publications should be harmonised with and complement those prepared under the Communications plan, particularly in relation to bringing the programme to the attention of the wider general public.
- As well as complementing the work of the Communication plan, the output of the network should also feed directly into the annual reports and other formal presentations of the managing authorities
- The collection and analysis of indicators and evidence-based programme outputs should feed directly into the mid-term and final programme evaluations. This activity is a core function of the network
- The provision of a comprehensive information service to groups and organisations when requested
- Facilitating and promoting inter-territorial and trans-national cooperation in relation to the delivery of Axes 3 and 4. The network must have the capacity to develop the co-operation principle, provide regulatory advice and offer appropriate mentoring
- Representing Ireland on the proposed European Network for Rural Development and other relevant fora and promotion of the rural development programme nationally and abroad.
