Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 1

Written Answers. - Demographic Statistics.

Jim Higgins

Ceist:

89 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the number of people living in areas designated as urban; the number of people living outside urban areas; the proposals, if any, he has for a more balanced population spread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54/94]

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

In 1991 the aggregate town population was 2,010,700 or 57 per cent of the total and the aggregate rural population was 1,515,019 or 43 per cent of the total.

The Government is fully committed to balanced regional development in Ireland and this commitment is fully reflected in the National Development Plan 1994-1999 which sets out the country's main development priorities over this period. While the plan is based on national sectoral objectives, maintaining an appropriate regional balance was at all times a central underlying consideration.

In preparing the National Development Plan, the Government invited each of the sub-Regional Review Committees around the country to make detailed submissions setting out its recommendations concerning a development strategy and the priority measures to implement that strategy for its sub-region. In the plan the Government has responded to these initiatives to the extent that they are consistent with the overall national objectives of maximising sustainable growth and employment within the constraints of the resources available.

The commitment to rural development was recognised in the agreedProgramme for Competitiveness and Work which stated, and I quote, that “the National Development Plan's overall strategy aimed at increasing economic growth, improving infrastructure, developing skills and placing an increased emphasis on harnessing local community leadership and local initiative will have an important impact on the rural economy and the regions within which the various rural areas are situated”.

I would like to emphasise the fact that the plan and the Community Support Framework 1994-1999 which has now been agreed with the Commission places a major and expanded role on local development. The CSF states that this, and I quote "reflects the need to mobilise the energies of individuals and communities throughout the country and a recognition of the potential for development which can be released by doing so."

In addition to the Community Support Framework, EU assistance from the Community Initiatives will make an important contribution to regional and rural development.