Cutbacks leave rural groups in real peril

The Blackwater Valley contains some of the most beautiful — and verdant countryside in Ireland. Its rolling hills give way to the Blackwater River, the third largest in the country.

But, however beautiful noteworthy and historic an area may be, as an elderly neighbour of mine was fond of reminding me, you can’t live on the view.

The Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Limited (ABPL) have developed and delivered LEADER and other programmes, which have proved vital to the survival of many communities in the area.