Rural Community Network hosted a recent visit from members of the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Accompanied by Committee Staff, ARD committee members Tom Elliot and George Savage experienced at first hand the very real connection between community development, rural development, environmental enhancement and community engagement.

The day started with a visit to the Ballinderry River Fish Hatchery where ARD members were given an overview of an environmental project called RIPPLE. Ann Marie McStocker of RCN, Mark Horton from WWF and Alan Keys from the Fish Hatchery took great pride in recounting the story of how the protection and enhancement of the local Ballinderry river has been transformed through an extensive engagement programme with local communities and a range of statutory authorities, the result of which is a detailed action plan for the river and its environs.

At the visit, the contribution of Rural Community Network was highlighted as a key factor in the development of the plan. RCN was commended for its wide-ranging and innovative community engagement and consultation practices which enhanced the opportunities for the participation of every sector from the local communities throughout the length of the Ballinderry River.

ARD members then made their way to RCN offices where they engaged with RCN staff on the work of the organisation across a range of areas. The discussion also covered issues that can and are impacting on the long term growth and sustainability of rural communities. In addition there was an exploration of how best RCN can continue to effectively inform and contribute to the work of the ARD committee and the Department for the benefit of rural communities. The visit ended with an offer to meet with the ARD Committee to further discuss RCN's ongoing work in developing community engagement processes to enhance rural proofing.

Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of RCN, commented 'This visit proved to be very productive as it has given ARD committee members a much clearer view of how RCN's community development and community engagement work contributes to sustainable rural communities.' Michael continued 'It was also useful for RCN to hear from ARD committee members of the work that they do within the Committee to enhance both agriculture and rural development and the many constraints that they have to work within to achieve what they want to do.'

Michael concluded 'Hopefully this is but the first of many such meetings which will help to develop a better understanding within and between elected representatives and the rural voluntary sector, demonstrating that each has an important role to play in securing the sustainability of rural communities. By working together more effectively our individual roles and our overall impacts can be greatly enhanced for the mutual benefit of all of our rural communities.'