Conference in River Island Hotel as Sinn Féin Uachtarán prepares to address Castleisland
A CONFERENCE will take place in the River Island Hotel here in Castleisland on November 24 at 6.30pm.
The main topic of conversation will focus on ways in which life can be brought back to rural Ireland and the challenges involved in doing so.
The keynote speaker on the evening will be Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou Mc Donald.
“By holding this conference we are taking it upon ourselves, by having a gathering of minds, to think outside the box and put in place ways in which the many aspects of life in rural Ireland can be revived before it’s too late,” said local organiser Kate McSweeney.
Panellists will include Sinn Féin local and national representatives; leaders from agricultural associations; local business representatives; journalists; as well as representatives from towns and villages who have counteracted decline in unique ways.
“Perhaps by applying some of the ideas gleaned from this discussion, and indeed that of the economic forum held by the chamber alliance in September, Castleisland could be seen as a proactive, positive-thinking town and act as a template for other struggling rural towns going forward.
“We can sit back and let the decimation happen around us or gather as a community and force revival,” said Ms McSweeney.
“Also we are at present working on interviewing a range of people in small towns/villages amuigh san tuath who have strong opinions on where rural Ireland is at right now and who have been affected or have experience of any of the following: Revoking of services such as post office closures; broadband/ connectivity issues; employment or lack of; issues facing farmers; education; rural isolation; mental health issues and survival of small businesses.
“These interviews will be used as part of a video project which will be shown at the conference on November 24.”
Contact Kate on 087 922 88 34 if you would like to contribute.