Mr. Eugene Cassidy:

There are six municipal districts in County Meath and Kells Municipal District has 35% of the county's land mass. I wish to express my thanks, on behalf of the Kells Municipal District, for the invitation to attend the meeting and for the opportunity to make a presentation to the committee on the issues that are prevalent in the rural district of Kells.

Kells Municipal District is located in north County Meath and is predominantly a rural area. Kells is the largest town in the area, with a population of 2,208. The municipal district covers an area of 817 square kilometres with a population of just over 31,500, as recorded in the 2011 census.

It is considered to have a relatively young population, with 27% in the zero to 18 years age group. Kells and Navan municipal districts are considered to be significantly more disadvantaged than other municipal districts in Meath. The members of the committee will have received a written submission from the Kells Municipal District members, but I will summarise the predominant issues that are affecting all communities in the municipal district.

Poor broadband access is a major issue and has the potential to limit education, employment, economic and social opportunities. Greater emphasis must be given to transportation issues, including availability and cost. This is especially important in the context of the closing or downgrading of services available locally. Given the reliance on the road network, with road lengths of 1,192 km in the Kells Municipal District and 933 km of those classified as local roads, funding for ongoing maintenance of this network becomes critical.

There is also the issue of the proximity of education and training facilities. Accessing these facilities currently requires a great deal of effort and access to the limited transportation options available. Kells Municipal District has the highest level of low education and the lowest level of high education, as is shown in the 2011 census. There must be access to additional resources in schools. The second level school in Nobber village is designated as disadvantaged and therefore attracts some extra resources. However, it is believed that additional resources are required in feeder national schools, given that by the time the children reach second level they have not received the additional support they require.

Recreational facilities for younger people are required. It is the opinion of the municipal district that there must be greater focus on young people aged between 12 and 18 years. There are very few facilities or activities for teenage groups and access to activities and events can limit participation. Funding opportunities for these facilities are limited.

On the role of the family in the community, due to the lack of opportunities and the need for family members to travel outside of the municipal district for education or work, with many young people relocating to other parts of Ireland or emigrating, there is a loss of social capital and a break-up of family life and local community cohesion throughout the municipal district.

With regard to isolation and mental health issues, according to the 2011 census 12% of the population of Kells Municipal District is aged more than 65 years. That is the highest rate in County Meath. Many men and women in this category live alone, but it is not just the older generation that lives alone or is alone for most of the time. Members will agree that this leads to a feeling of isolation and poor mental health.

According to the 2011 census, 12% of the population in the Kells Municipal District has a disability. Given the rural nature of the district and the potential reliance on transport services, it is essential that this group of society is provided for and that services are available to ensure that these people are able to participate in and contribute to the community as they would wish.

In summary, our opening statement gave a consideration of rural Ireland. It is important that Government policies are rural proofed to ensure that they support the long-term sustainable development of rural Ireland. We will support the committee in its endeavours to promote any initiatives which will help to achieve this.