Rural Ireland needs a new voice demanding basic rights and facilities
It could redress the growing imbalance between rural and urban areas. Discrimination against rural areas includes cutbacks in health services, closure of Garda stations, reduced bus services, closure of small post offices and national schools, deterioration of secondary roads, centralisation of schools, school transport cuts, and cutbacks in remedial education.
Why do we treat vulnerable children so callously, particularly in rural areas? Children have returned to school after the summer holiday. How many places were available for those with special needs? How many parents were refused enrolment for their children because there were no places - a total infringement of constitutional rights.
Rural areas should at least get the same attention as ‘inner cities.’
A rural development agency would encourage the setting up of small industry, promote environmental improvement in villages, take action on derelict buildings and unsightly areas, and make villages more attractive from a tourist point of view. It would also encourage community development, promote rural housing, public transport, health, and school-related services.
Muintir na Tíre is doing its best to keep rural Ireland alive, but more help is needed. Some of our rural towns and villages, sadly, have become the victims of Government policy over the years. We cannot allow this to continue.
Cllr Noel Collins
St Jude’s
Midleton
Co Cork
