As part of ‘Expand Your Horizons 2017 – Reaching Out to Rural Ireland’ Teagasc and the NRN brought together over 20 organisations that offer services in rural Ireland. These included Local Action Groups, Local Enterprise Offices, Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), Education and Training Boards (ETB), Citizens Information, Mental Health Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Fisheries Ireland, Credit Unions, Clann Credo and Community Finance Ireland.

These organisations provided a flavour of the opportunities they offer and the role they play in contributing to the viability of rural areas and farms.

An innovative series of evening seminars took place from January to March 2017 to promote the value of rural Ireland and range of services available.  The seminars provided people living and working in rural farming communities with the chance to:

• Find out their options for farm diversification
• Consider a new farm business or off-farm enterprise
• Explore options for retraining for a new job
• Learn about applying for funding opportunities under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020
• Find out about how to access LEADER funding.

Check out videos from contributors to Expand Your Horizons.