Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Depopulation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

287 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the many obstacles facing those who wish to remain in their native place in rural Ireland; if he has in mind policy changes to meet the concerns of such people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18106/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

288 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the role of An Taisce in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

289 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the debilitating influence of An Taisce on the development of rural community life; if he has in mind proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18108/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287, 288 and 289 together.

My views on the dispersed rural populations are well known to Members of this House. I have spoken many times of the need for a settlement pattern that would allow for the regeneration of rural areas, particularly those which have suffered continuous decline. Government policy on rural development is set out in the White Paper published in August 1999. As a result the Government is committed to ensuring the economic and social wellbeing of rural communities and providing the conditions for a meaningful fulfilling life for all people living in rural areas. The aim is to have vibrant and sustainable communities able to enjoy a standard of living and quality of life which will make them attractive communities in which to live and work and where individuals and families will have a real choice as to whether to stay in, leave or move to, rural Ireland, whether in farming or otherwise.

Rural communities should also be able to enjoy access to education, training and life long learning and an adequate level of social and other services and infrastructure. Their cultural identities, in particular the language, traditions, heritage and sense of community must be valued and retained. In my statement welcoming the publication of the National Spatial Strategy last November, I said the strategy sets down clear markers for the way ahead in rural development. The strategy addresses many of my concerns about issues such as rural housing, services and cultural identity. As further evidence of the Government's commitment, I launched the CLÁR programme for disadvantaged rural areas in October 2001. In January of this year, I announced the extension of CLÁR areas arising from the review based on the 2002 population census, as promised in An Agreed Programme for Government.

An Taisce, along with the groups interested in this area, participated in a discussion on rural planning which I arranged at the meeting of the National Rural Development Forum, held by me in Maam Cross in November 2001. My Department has, at my request, been in touch with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of follow-up to the National Spatial Strategy. In addition, my Department is represented on the interdepartmental committee set up to progress its implementation.