Regeneration and repair schemes - The decline of rural Ireland

THE decline of rural Ireland has been, and is, a long, slow and draining process.

The falling-away sometimes seems particularly apparent in many of the towns and villages struggling to sustain the vibrancy needed to support a viable community.

Though much of this change is rooted in automation, especially in farming, the loss of post offices, schools or the consolidation of schools, industry, banks or Garda stations are all well-recognised steps along the road to ghost-town status.