The Taoiseach has told a forum in Co Mayo that continuing to back ongoing rural development and the agri-food sector was a priority for his Government.
Leo Varadkar was addressing the forum in Westport on "Creating Stronger Rural Economies and Communities", a Project Ireland 2040-themed event.
The forum is based around the National Planning Framework strategic outcome of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities, which focuses on balancing regional growth and investment in rural regeneration.
The Taoiseach said the challenges facing rural Ireland developing requires a whole-of-Government approach.
He said: "We want to strengthen Ireland's rural fabric and support the communities who live there by planning for the future growth and development of rural areas, with a special focus on the renewal and development of smaller towns and villages."
Mr Varadkar said the Government wanted rural Ireland to thrive and described the forum as a call to action for those living in rural Ireland and communities all over Ireland.
Arriving at the forum, the Taoiseach was met by a group of protesters calling for a public water supply for the communities between Westport and Louisburg, including Murrisk at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
As he was leaving the event, the Taoiseach said he had discussed the Murrisk water issue with Minister Michael Ring.
He said a meeting would now be set up between Irish Water and Mayo County Council on the matter.
