IRL attacks British EU budget plans
The proposal involves cutting rural development and structural funding to secure agreement on the new budget.
Irish Rural Link (IRL) said it believes that instead of trying to cut key rural funding, the British EU presidency should be proposing an increase in these funds.
Increased funding was necessary to ensure vulnerable areas and communities receive the investment required to ensure sustainable development of the rural economy across Ireland and Europe.
Chief executive, Seamus Boland, said this latest British proposal is a desperate attempt by an out of touch leader to put together any sort of deal rather than a good deal for the people of Europe.
“It is worrying that leaders who claim that competitiveness and economic reform is at the top of their agenda and then they propose cuts to the very funds that are designed to develop a rural economy that is competitive.”
Mr Boland stressed that the rural development funding is delivering to people and communities on the ground but is not always identifiable.
