Govt Action Plan for rural Ireland welcomed by Cork chambers
JOHN DONEGAN PRAISED PLAN WHO SAID IT WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
THE Government’s €60 million plan to re-energise rural towns and villages across the country has been welcomed by John Donegan, who is the chair of Cork Regional Chambers network.
The 71 page Action Plan on Rural Development, is centred on five areas of sustainable communities, enterprise, employment, rural tourism along with culture and improving infrastructure and connectivity.
The €60 million funding boost is for 600 towns and villages. Mr Donegan said: “Tangible actions and a fresh focus on the potential of our rural towns and villages has been much anticipated right across the country. It is encouraging to see the focus for sustained economic development extend from our urban centres to recognise the current and latent potential of our rural areas.”
He also said: “It is important that there is support for this scheme which is beyond a doubt, a step in the right direction. In doing so, we must maximise the opportunity to benefit our respective localities.”
Also in the 71 page plan is €50 million increase in sports and cultural facility spending; 135,000 new jobs by 2020 – including 5,000 construction jobs and increased focus on apprenticeship and training scheme opportunities.
Other targets in the plan, include a 50% increase in regional foreign direct investment by the end of the decade; and 12% increase in overseas visitors during that period. In addition, there will be increased financial supports for 4,000 new community projects and new incentives for families to refurbish derelict buildings and turn them into homes.
In addition, the plan promises to build 18 new rural primary care centres by the end of next year as well as increase rural-based gardaí by 3,200 and the aim also centres on drastically improving broadband.
The Cork Regional Chambers consist of Charleville, Cork, Mallow, Kanturk, Cobh and harbour, Clonakilty, and Midletown and area as well as Youghal chambers. Representatives from these catchment regions meet regularly to discuss common interests in the region.
Mr Donegan believes that the Government’s plan will “act as the driver to support sustainable economic development and strong communities.”
“I am encouraged to see this move forwards in addressing rural decline and de-population and towards revitalising communities across the county and country,” he said.