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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 2

Written Answers. - Rural Depopulation.

Dan Wallace

Ceist:

5 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Taoiseach the current position of the ongoing process of urbanisation and corresponding rural depopulation; and the range of measures, if any, he has in place to counter this trend. [3876/97]

The nature of the growth of urban areas and associated rural population issues such as distribution, dependant age structures and settlement patterns are interrelated and complex matters.

Rural depopulation is of particular importance to the west. Equally, patterns of congestion and associated social problems in urban areas are a source of concern. The socio-economic issues that arise as a consequence of these phenomena are being tackled across a wide range of Government policies which aim to address all areas of disadvantage, both urban and rural.

The local development programme, which is the responsibility of the Minister for European Affairs and local development, is designed to tackle disadvantage in designated areas.

The programme adopts an integrated approach towards addressing problems identified locally. Funding is provided on the basis of area action plans drawn up following local consultations. Areas are identified on the basis of objective indicators, including age dependency. This means that areas where emigration was a factor were designated. All area partnerships are now in place and funding of £76.5 million has been allocated to partnerships to the end of 1999.

My contribution to the issue of depopulation relates particularly to the western region. I am overseeing the implementation of a number of initiatives which have an important contribution to make to the regeneration of the region. A western investment fund is being established which will make available long-term venture capital and equity for developing businesses in the region. The Western Development Commission has been appointed to promote the economic and social development of the region and add value to the work already being done by State agencies and local development organisations in the region. In addition, a pilot programme on public service provision has been set up to test models of best practice in the delivery of public services to less populated rural areas involving local communities.

Following a recommendation in the National Economic and Social Council in its report, New Approaches to Rural Development, the Government requested the council to undertake a study of socio-demographic trends and settlement patterns. The study aims to inform policy in relation to rural development and regional policy and national level social and economic policy; identify the consequences for settlement patterns of present public policies at regional, national and EU levels; and identify the priorities for public policy if a balanced national population pattern is to be achieved.
The NESC study will result in a clearer understanding of the mechanisms and forces which underpin the changes affecting urban and rural populations and will have a significant influence on the formulation of future economic and social policies.
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