Regional Development Committee to meet LEADER organisations as part of hearings on sustaining viable rural communities

The Committee will hear from representatives from Fingal LEADER Partnership, Kildare LEADER Partnership, Meath LEADER Partnership and Monaghan LEADER Partnership.

Cathaoirleach of the Committee Peadar Tóibín said: “The Committee will continue to focus on what it takes to sustain a rural community when we meet with representatives of from Fingal LEADER Partnership, Kildare LEADER Partnership, Meath LEADER Partnership and Monaghan LEADER Partnership.

\"There is a deep imbalance in the distribution of jobs, enterprise and resources in this State, causing major difficulties in urban and rural areas and many parts of the country face ongoing challenges in terms of population decline, lack of enterprise and a loss of jobs. Developing sustainable enterprises, improving tourism opportunities, promoting and encouraging enterprise and agribusiness and creating jobs are crucial in halting population decline and in sustaining rural communities.

\"Leader programmes were designed to strengthen and diversify the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas through job creation, the development of sustainable enterprises, improving tourism opportunities, upgrading villages, small towns and communities, promoting social inclusion and improving the environment. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to get the perspective of a number of Leader organisations from around the country on the work involved in developing and sustaining a vibrant rural community. Members will also have an opportunity to consider the challenges many in rural Ireland face and examine with these groups the measures necessary to strengthen and diversify the rural economy and create jobs.”

This meeting will start at 10am, tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 November 2016 in Committee Room 4, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS/