TDs clash over rural action plan

WEXFORD deputies James Browne and Paul Kehoe have crossed swords over the government’s new action plan for rural Ireland.

Minister Kehoe described the plan as ‘the first whole-of-government strategy to drive positive changes in rural Ireland’ and said it offered a significant opportunity for County Wexford which had suffered babdly during the Recession.

However, Fianna Fail Deputy Browne said it was too little, too late and a rehash of previous press releases and announcements.

‘Fine Gael has not learned that spin doesn’t bring jobs to rural towns, spin doesn’t keep post offices, schools and GP surgeries open, and spin certainly doesn’t entice young people to stay in rural regions to work, raise a family, and energise their communities,’ said Deputy Browne.

‘Rural Ireland is facing major challenges. Communities up and down the country are seriously asking themselves – have we a future?

‘This is the fourth ‘rural plan’ launched by Fine Gael while in government.. all failed to deliver for rural Ireland.

Minister Kehoe said the opposite was the case and the plan would respond to challenges and opportunities as they arose.

‘The government is committed to supporting recovery and growth across the country, and this Action Plan sets out the framework to achieving that ambition.’