IFA: Rural policy will be weakened

THE implementation of rural development policy will be significantly weakened by proposals being put forward by Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv on the composition of new county structures to implement the Leader Programme, the IFA has warned.

Rural Development Committee chairman Padraic Divilly said the proposed boards of existing rural development and partnership companies increases the political influence of rural organisations.

State organisations may not be included in some rural boards while farming will only have one seat.