Group demands help for rural industry

AN enterprise policy to provide targeted supports for small to medium-sized industry in rural areas is one of 17 key demands listed by Irish Rural Link (IRL) in the run-up to the general election.

IRL, which campaigns for sustainable rural communities, said the decline of pubs, shops and post offices highlights the need for fresh thinking on rural issues. It said the closure of rural pubs highlighted in the Revenue Commission’s 2006 figures, combined with the demise of shops and post offices is an indication that rural towns and villages are under threat.

Representing over 300 community groups with a combined membership of 25,000, IRL issued the warning as it launched its Election 07 Rural Manifesto.