Rural areas would be significantly affected by proposals

RURAL areas would be affected significantly by spending cuts recommended in the Bord Snip report which include the closure of at least half the country’s garda stations and up to 1,000 small primary schools.

The Government was urged to look at the social implications of the recommendations and not just what they could achieve economically, when deciding which proposals to implement.

Farm income cuts are recommended including the termination of grant aid including REPS and the Suckler Cow Scheme and reduce spending on the Disadvantaged Area Compensatory Allowance Scheme by 30%.