Irish Rural Link, founded in 1991, is a national network of organisations and individuals advocating for sustainable rural development in Ireland and Europe. IRL, a non- profit organisation has grown significantly since its inception and now directly represents over 600 community groups and individuals with a combined membership of 25,000. IRL is the only group represented at the national social partnership solely representing rural communities’ interests. The mission is to influence and inform local, regional, national and European development policies and programmes in favour of rural communities.