Co-ordinated approach to depopulation ‘vital’
This was revealed when Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuiv launched a report on rural repopulation at the National Ploughing Championships in Ballacolla, Co Laois, yesterday.
The report, by Kevin Heanue of Dublin City University, was commissioned by Area Development Management Ltd. It says the repopulation of vulnerable rural areas needs to be strategically encouraged and managed as part of an integrated strategy for
regeneration. Although not available at the time the report was compiled, this year’s Census data shows that although every county recorded an increase in population since 1996, contrary to public perceptions, 18 counties recorded significant areas of rural population decline. Mr Ó Cuív said he had for a long time been concerned about
depopulation and he had made this the criteria for inclusion in the CLÁR scheme. He said his strong stand on rural planning and settlement patterns was also based on this concern.
Mr Ó Cuív welcomed the ADM report, which he felt would contribute to the debate on how to tackle this problem. The document, entitled The Missing People: A Strategic Approach to Rural Repopulation, is based on the knowledge gained from a pilot rural repopulation programme administered by ADM in nine locations throughout the country during 1999/2000.
Maura Walsh, chairperson of ADM’s Rural Development Advisory Committee, said an integrated local strategy, involving all the major players in local development is the only solution to rural depopulation. ADM CEO Tony Crooks said it will continue to contribute to rural repopulation initiatives through the work of partnerships, community groups and employment pacts.
