20 Apr 2021, 10:45
The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands will meet this afternoon to discuss the Strategy for Rural Development ‘Our Rural Future’, and associated issues.
The Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands, Heather Humphreys, will appear for the meeting at 3.30pm in the Dáil Chamber, live on Oireachtas TV.
Speaking in advance of the meeting, Committee Chairperson, Denis Naughten TD, said: “Our Committee inputted into the process of developing this new government Policy, Our Rural Future. We were delighted to contribute at a time when our rural communities while facing many challenges including the upkeep of local services and amenities, also have considerable opportunities such as new employment opportunities as a result of remote working. The Covid-19 pandemic and the advent of working from home has brought many of these opportunities to the fore.”
Chair Naughten added: “The reality is good career opportunities are required if we are to retain our young, and technology will be at the heart of driving this innovation. Throughout this Dáil term we haveexplored the possibilities of remote working hubs, and many of the themes and work which this committee has developed mirrors the ambition of this Strategy for Rural Development, and the recently announced LEADER interim funding Programme, and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund.
“With the funding in place, and significant work underway in terms of connecting rural communities with roll out of rural broadband solutions, the committee is committed to scrutinisng the delivery of the Strategy for Rural Development, and with that in mind we look forward to Tuesday’s engagement with Minister Humphreys.”
For more information about the work of the Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands see the Committee webpage
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Deputies