Special Report: Rural Ireland should not be pigeonholed

PUBLIC discussions about rural issues in Ireland often take a stereotypical view, taking extremes, either as a rural idyll or as a problem, writes Prof Cathal O’Donoghue

We are either presented with the breathtaking images of the Fáilte Ireland videos and promotional material or with the negative or uninspiring picture that is portrayed of an area in decline. Much of the media or official coverage is focused on protests about post office closures or farm prices or supports — the view of rural Ireland as a problem.

For example, in public policy, the Dáil’s committee covering rural issues was entitled Social Exclusion, Rural Development and Drugs.