Mixed reaction to new programme

THE new rural development programme will not halt the decline of the rural economy, according to Irish Rural Link (IRL), the national group campaigning for sustainable rural communities.

Macra na Feirme, however, said they welcome funding increases for schemes that promote farm restructuring and encourage the transfer of land to young farmers.

The 6bn programme (2007-2013) was announced earlier this week by Ministers Mary Coughlan and Eamon Ó Cuiv after it was approved by the European Commission.