Fairness in grant aid

NO part of Ireland escaped the ravages of the recession. But there is a persuasive argument to be made that rural communities suffered more than most.

The scourge of emigration returned to many areas. Meanwhile, the widespread closure of everything from post offices and police stations to pubs and corner shops also had a devastating effect.

Against that grim backdrop, the announcement in June of last year of the setting up of the Department of Rural and Community Affairs was a welcome development. But the comments of newly appointed minister Michael Ring struck a jarring note when he returned home to Mayo and told supporters: ‘I love money and I love spending it.’

He added that he would ‘continue to bring all the money’ that he could into ‘every part of this county’. Almost 16 months later, it appears that Mr Ring has been as good as his word.

Figures show that Mayo has received €216,000 under a scheme to fund various outdoor pursuits. Not only does this amount to 12% of the funding distributed nationally, it is also €26,000 more than the sum received by the county with the second-highest allocation.

Of course, the advantages for constituents of having their local TD at the Cabinet table have long been recognised. But these figures are likely to be viewed with a sceptical eye by people living elsewhere in the country. It is inevitable that many of them will wonder about the dividend for Michael Ring’s home patch and question whether, in fact, it is far too great.