About The Rural Policy Hub

The Rural Policy Hub is an independent organisation based in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.  Established in 2014, we provide innovative research to address and inform rural policy design and decisions.  Our unique approach to rural policy is enhanced because we live and work in rural areas and therefore have first-hand knowledge and understanding of socio-economic issues that require a different approach to those in urban areas.


Our work has been described by clients as:

"...original and provocative, yet grounded in the delivery of a reliable, efficient client brief."  Gabriel D'Arcy CEO, LacPatrick Dairies


"...wonderfully clear, concise...refreshing..."  Anne Walsh, Project Manager, Mayo Renewable Power

Integrated Approach to Our Services

We believe that no one economic activity is – or should be – mutually exclusive and advocate an integrated approach to sustainable development and rural economic policy. Furthermore, we believe that rural economic development is fundamentally rooted in community involvement and ownership. With this in mind, we embrace community engagement as a key element of our methodologies.  

Plain English Reporting

An important feature of our reports is their use of plain English so that they are accessible to all and not just to experts in a given field.  Sometimes this means publishing two reports based on the same research.  One can be very informal/entertaining and another can be formal and academic in style: we are keenly aware of our audience.

Skill-Sets & Experience

Between us, the partners of The Rural Policy Hub have 40 years experience in rural socio-economic policy areas such as sustainable energy, planning and eco-tourism.  We have recently developed a strategic association with experienced health economists with a view to embarking on new community-based rural health research.

Our experience relates to: 

  • EU and other funding applications re energy, climate change, and other societal issues.
  • Energy project planning at the early stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies in the Population & Human Health chapter which we subject to local, long-term examination and surveying in the same manner as those of flora and fauna, ground water, etc.  
  • Training: for Local Authority staff on energy and climate change policy development for use in EU funding applications

Our aim is to bring projects to completion with a win for all stakeholders: communities, public bodies, business and environment, alike. 


If you would like to find out more about our services and how we can work with your organisation please contact us