Concern for rural clubs
WICKLOW’S Central County Representative Andy O’Brien will use some of his address to Convention next Monday evening in Aughrim to try to inspire a debate over the difficulties faced by rural communities in Wicklow and beyond.
‘Presently within the GAA at several levels there is debate taking place in relation to the constant decline in the numbers within our rural clubs and its effects, conscious of this I am of the opinion that as a county we should engage in the debate and in doing so invite our local political representatives to advise us of the growing situation which is threatening not alone the existence of some GAA clubs within our county but also this decline is impacting on every strand of rural life within our villages and parishes,” says the Dunlavin club man.
O’Brien says that there is a need for fresh thinking in relation to the County Development Plan and in particular planning.
“Currently the Wicklow County Development Plan sets out the agreed parameters for those wishing to set up home in the rural parts of our county,” he said. “
“From a Wicklow GAA view point I think we can fully appreciate the comments of our rural clubs when they make the point that the present system is not serving them or indeed their village, schools, parish, etc.
“If there is collective agreement that the current system is not ensuring that our rural communities remain that important element of Irish life why do we continue with such a policy.
“Concern seems to raise its head when the numbers are not attending our rural schools, clubs collapsing, shops closing, village activities unable to continue due to lack of support, why are we surprised when we make in difficult for new and young people to set up home in our rural communities.
“If there is genuine concern around this topic of the threat to rural GAA clubs I believe that a suitable forum should be formed including all interested parties with the view of creating a structure which would allow for rural development which might require very local type planning with less constrains for some areas than within the overall plan,” he added.