Rural Ireland ‘must be a priority’
Irish Rural Link yesterday said the next social partnership deal must deliver for rural Ireland.
Chief executive Seamus Boland said IRL members expect key commitments in this agreement.
“We need to see movement on key issues such as rural development, rural housing, regional development, land use, agriculture and renewable energy commitments but to name a few.
“If the social partners and the next agreement fail to deal with rural issues there will be an empty feeling and sense of an opportunity missed at a time when our exchequer is awash with money.”
IRL said this agreement must redress regional differences and place the National Spatial Strategy at the heart of national policy, so as to achieve balanced regional development.
Research and communications officer
Ian Russell said there is a feeling the deal may deliver for rural communities.
“There have been some tough exchanges during these negotiations and Irish Rural Link, on behalf of rural communities, has more than held its own, especially in its efforts to ensure that the rural message was delivered and accepted.
“This agreement needs to support rural communities and rural inhabitants, especially the most vulnerable in society such as elderly people, disabled people, young people and single parents,” he said.
