Rural Social Scheme opens new doors for Clare farmers and rural dwellers
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is encouraging farmers, their families and other rural dwellers in County Clare to get in touch about new opportunities on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).
RSS has been running since 2004 and is aimed at people on low incomes from farming or fishing who are also receiving a qualifying social welfare payment, such as Farm Assist. Participants work 19.5 hours per week with community, voluntary or sporting organisations in their local area, carrying out environmental works, supporting local services and helping to keep rural communities vibrant. In return, they receive an income support top‑up to their existing payment, assessed by the Department of Social Protection on a case‑by‑case basis.
Recent changes following a national review of RSS have widened who can qualify. Since January 2026, people who are actively farming or fishing but who are not themselves the herd or fishing licence holder may now access RSS where they have a “defined connection” to the farm or fishing enterprise – for example a spouse, son, daughter, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle or certain in‑laws. Eligibility has also been extended in specific circumstances to couples who are jointly engaged in farming or fishing and who previously shared a single herd or licence number.
Rural Dweller Pilot Scheme Launches
In addition, a new Rural Dweller Pilot will ring‑fence a small number of places in County Clare for people aged 50 and over who live in a rural area, are on a qualifying social welfare payment and would benefit from part‑time, community‑based work, even if they do not have a herd number themselves. County Clare as a whole is treated as rural for the purposes of this pilot, and CLDC has been allocated seven of these Rural Dweller places initially.
However, CLDC is keen to stress that the financial side of the scheme is complex and will not suit everyone. Because RSS is linked to means‑tested social welfare payments, factors like farm profits, spousal income and dependants can all affect what someone would actually receive. In many cases the extra income is a relatively small top‑up, and some people may find there is little or no financial gain once their full circumstances are taken into account.
Despite this, the social and community benefits remain important for many participants, especially those at risk of isolation in later life. RSS placements allow people to stay active and connected in their own localities while contributing to clubs, charities and community projects. CLDC believes there are still people in Clare for whom the new rules – particularly the wider family connections and the 50+ pilot – could make RSS a good fit.
Paula O’Leary, Rural Social Scheme Co‑ordinator with CLDC, says the most important step is simply to start a conversation.
“Every household’s situation is different,” she explains. “Because the payment is means‑tested and the rules have changed, it’s almost impossible to say exactly what someone will get. What we can do is sit down with people in confidence, go through their circumstances and see whether RSS would work for them or for a family member connected to the farm.”
Rather than setting out every detail of the rules, CLDC is inviting interested farmers, family members and rural dwellers aged 50+ to contact the Rural Social Scheme team directly or come along to local information sessions which will be advertised in community venues around the county. Staff can then look at eligibility and potential benefits on a one‑to‑one basis.
“If you think it might suit you, or someone in your household, pick up the phone,” says O’Leary. “You won’t be under any pressure to sign up – we’ll simply talk it through and give you an honest view of whether it’s worthwhile in your case.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Rural Social Scheme or the Rural Dweller Pilot in County Clare can contact Clare Local Development Company, Rural Social Scheme:
Clare Local Development Company – Rural Social Scheme
Phone: 065 686 6800 or email Bernie: bcarey@cldc.ie
General Email: info@cldc.ie Web: www.cldc.ie