Urgent need for policymakers to focus on rural economy and communities

THERE is an urgent need for greater emphasis on the rural economy and rural communities by policymakers, a Teagasc expert has suggested.

David Meredith, Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre, made the claim at an Irish Rural Studies Symposium 2010 in Cork.

Research indicated the rural economy was particularly exposed to the economic crisis due to the large number of men from rural areas working in the construction and transport sectors. Women fared little better, as many worked in the retail sector, which has suffered a contraction in employment.