Spotlight on rural uncertainty

THE challenges facing rural communities will be discussed by more than 250 of the country’s leading experts and activists in rural development at a conference in Croke Park, Dublin next Thursday and Friday.

The conference, Rural Development - a Time of Transition - will be addressed by international experts and entrepreneurs.

Paul Keating of the Irish LEADER Support Unit at the Tipperary Institute said: “The contribution of agriculture is declining and is likely to continue to do so. Many rural areas have lost out during the recent economic boom. This applies particularly to the traditionally strong farming areas of the midlands and southeast where economic performance and household incomes have fallen significantly.

“The conference will also hear about rural success stories from some of the 35 companies involved in the LEADER initiative. We will also hear about rural successes and failures in England and Scotland.

“The challenges, opportunities and operational structures for sustainable rural development will be outlined by a distinguished panel, including Liam Scollan of Knock International Airport, Dr Patricia O’Hara of the Western Development Commission and Professor Chris Curtin of NUI Galway while the Government’s view will be given by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív.”

Details from the Irish Leader Support Unit at the Tipperary Institute, tel [phone]; email [e-mail] or log on to www.ilsu.ie/conference05.html.