Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Spatial Strategy.

139.Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he had in mind in his recent speech to Kerry County Council when he said that the worst scenarios had been created by putting services into towns and attempting to force people into towns, cities and villages and that a balance would have to be struck between depopulated areas and crowded urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I did not make any recent speech to Kerry County Council. The last time I visited Kerry County Council was during the summer of 2002. Comments I made on that visit were widely reported at that time.

Subsequently the national spatial strategy was published. In my statement welcoming its publication last November, I stated clearly that the strategy sets down clear markers for the way ahead in rural development. The strategy addresses many of my concerns in relation to such issues as rural housing, services and cultural identity.