According to Irish Rural Link Chief Executive Seamus Boland “Mr. Herlihy’s comments show a lack of understanding of the reality of life outside Dublin. There are productive people in rural areas looking to do productive jobs and they have not been given the opportunities. Sadly the IDA is already incredibly Dublin-biased, with less than 10% of IDA supported jobs going to the poorest counties. Over 40% of the Irish population live in rural areas and last census actually showed a significant increase in the rural population. Irish Rural Link will continue campaigning for equity of opportunity between rural and urban areas, and for balanced development between the regions.”

Mr. Boland continued “Rural households currently have lower disposable incomes and higher poverty rates, this will be exacerbated if Mr. Herlihy’s vision comes to pass. Jobs and investment are the answer, not letting rural areas die on their feet by separating families and forcing younger people out of their communities. Policy for rural areas must aim to build a rural economy with competitive enterprises. EU policy for rural areas aims for ‘living countrysides’ and balanced regional development across the Union.”

-Ends-

For further information, please contact (anytime):

Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 090 6482744 or 086 249 1153

Seán O’Leary (Policy and Communications Officer) 090 648 2744 or 083 333 9364

Information for Editors: The Interview in yesterday’s Sunday Tribune is available here