The Countryside Alliance Ireland (CAI) has expressed deep concern over the Northern Ireland Department for Communities' (DfC) initial budget allocations for the 2025–26 fiscal year, arguing that the proposed spending plan overlooks the pressing needs of rural communities and the agricultural sector.

While the DfC has announced a £40 million funding deal for urban regeneration in Derry/Londondery and Coleraine as part of the UK government's Plan for Neighbourhoods, rural areas continue to face significant challenges. CAI points out that many rural communities suffer from inadequate infrastructure, including poor broadband connectivity and limited access to public services, which are not sufficiently addressed in the current budget allocations.

Furthermore, the ongoing housing crisis in Northern Ireland has been exacerbated in rural areas, where the lack of affordable housing and underinvestment in wastewater infrastructure have stalled development. CAI also emphasises that without targeted investment, rural communities will continue to struggle with housing shortages and population decline.

CAI continues to highlight the financial pressures facing the agricultural sector, particularly in light of recent changes to inheritance tax laws. From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million will be subject to a 20% inheritance tax, a move that Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has warned could disproportionately affect Northern Ireland farmers, with estimates suggesting around one-third could be impacted.

CAI believes that the DfC's budget fails to provide adequate support for farmers navigating these new financial burdens, potentially threatening the viability of family farms and the broader rural economy.

Gary McCartney, director for Countryside Alliance Ireland, said “We are calling on the DfC to reassess its budget priorities to ensure that rural communities receive equitable investment. This includes increased funding for rural infrastructure projects, support for affordable housing development in rural areas, and financial assistance for farmers affected by tax changes.”

Without such measures, the disparity between urban and rural areas will continue to widen, undermining the sustainability and prosperity of Northern Ireland's countryside.