IRL: Cuts will hurt the rural economy

THERE were few measures in the budget to stimulate the rural economy, according to IrishRural Link (IRL), the national network of rural groups campaigning for sustainable rural communities.

IRL chief executive Seamus Boland said the €980 million cut in day-to-day spending programmes will significantly impact on rural communities and hamper efforts to keep and attract jobs in rural areas.

An 80% cut in the Western Investment Fund, which supports businesses, community initiatives and flagship projects in the western region, was an example.