IFA: rural progress must be a priority

IT is crucially important that balanced regional development is made a real priority by the Government in implementing the National Development Plan, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president Padraig Walshe said last night.

He was generally welcoming the publication of the plan, which makes provision for the expenditure of €8.7 billion in the agri food element, compared with €4.7 billion in the 200-2006 programme.

Mr Walshe said the IFA wanted to put rural infrastructure at the top of the Government’s agenda.