Cash-strapped local authorities hit for rural development funding

THE Government insisted yesterday the survival of rural Ireland was a priority but critics insisted a village enhancement scheme fell short of its promises.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs stepped up funding for a programme to help tackle problems of depopulation, decline and lack of services in rural areas.

However, a grant-aid restriction was put on the initiative with cash-strapped local authorities expected to fund projects exceeding €30,000.