Vol. 572 No. 6
116 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for his view that rural depopulation is one of the main causes of urban disadvantage as stated in a recent speech made in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24021/03]
There is a linkage between the drift of people from the countryside towards larger centres and urban disadvantage. People from rural areas have moved to towns and cities in significant numbers over the years. Frequently the urban areas to which such people move do not have the social supports, context or the facilities to handle a burgeoning population. Urban disadvantage, or at least increased pressure on existing social infrastructure, is an unfortunate inevitable consequence. The maintenance of viable rural communities, therefore, in addition to being an intrinsic good, can have beneficial alleviating effects on urban disadvantage.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 82.
