The paper describes a new model for enabling citizenship being developed with Northern Ireland rural communities using action research. The Rural Development Council and QueenÍs University Belfast are carrying out the research, funded by the European Union LEADER II programme.

Our paper sets the conceptual background for a new participatory approach to planning and community development: the "learning community".

The "learning community" seeks to draw the community into a planning process which is empowering, inclusive, builds a sense of community and is sustainable. It is also ongoing, reflective and collaborative. Secondly, a "learning community" works at the level of individual empowerment, stressing the development of new educational opportunities in rural communities, including in IT. Thirdly, the "learning community" will link into the development of a new institutional tier in Northern Ireland in which communities, politicians and professionals can develop partnerships in regional level planning, as part of a new governance.