Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts & the Gaeltacht Committee to discuss sustaining viable rural communities

Cathaoirleach of the Committee Peadar Tóibín said: “Many parts of rural Ireland face ongoing challenges in terms of declining populations, a lack of jobs, a shortage of enterprise and poor infrastructure. Our Committee plays an important role in considering policy and providing an input into legislation to counter these problems and which contributes to balanced regional development and the economic, social and cultural enhancement of rural Ireland and the Gaeltacht.

“What it takes to sustain a rural community will be on our agenda tomorrow when we meet with representatives of LEADER partnership groups from: Fingal; South Kerry; Kildare; Meath; Roscommon and West Cork. Leader programmes were designed to strengthen and diversify the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas through job creation, the development of sustainable enterprises, improving tourism opportunities, upgrading villages, small towns and communities, promoting social inclusion and improving the environment. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to get the perspective of a number of Leader organisations from around the country on the work involved in developing and sustaining a vibrant rural community.”

This meeting will start at 10am, tomorrow, Wednesday, 12 October 2016 in Committee Room 4, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

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