Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It goes further. It attacks decentralisation, something that went beyond the airy-fairy ideology and actually brought public entities to rural areas to try to create the hubs and edifices around which one might get some private growth, thereby driving the economy. This is not liked either so the plan has a go at it also..

With regard to what the plan calls elements of strategy, specifically regarding our regions and rural fabric, it sets out the aim of reversing small-town decline and rural population decline, supporting the sustainable growth of rural communities. How is this the case if de-zoning is happening in draft county development plans? Diktats are being sent down stating certain areas have been over-zoned, requiring de-zoning in small rural areas.

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