Éamon Ó Cuív: Michael Ring makes false promises to rural Ireland

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has been accused of putting rural Ireland “under review” with promised projects still on ice.

Mr Ring has revealed that at least four schemes have yet to start despite Government promises to prioritise rural Ireland. A fifth scheme, Rapid, which targets urban disadvantaged areas and comes under Mr Ring’s remit, is also under review.

Separately, Mr Ring’s department has confirmed to the Irish Examiner that a grant to help first-time buyers renovate vacant properties in rural villages and towns has yet to be set up despite being announced more than 12 months ago.