Policy against rural decline

SUPPORTING rural communities who want to transform their local area into dynamic regions capable of attracting visitors, investors or residents must be placed at the centre of policy, it was suggested yesterday.

Irish Rural Link, the national organisation campaigning for sustainable rural communities, is examining how these places can ensure their future at its national conference in Charleville, Co Cork.

Seamus Boland, chief executive, said rural communities are facing challenges such as the decline in traditional areas of employment, reduced public services and an ageing population.