Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw a matter of national importance to the attention of the Taoiseach, which is the rapid decline of rural Ireland and the policies that encourage urbanisation. As a Deputy representing Tipperary, a predominantly rural constituency, I see the decline of communities, the reduction of resources, the closure of facilities, and a growing sense of disillusionment amongst the rural population. This is happening at a time our economy is improving at a faster rate than any in Europe. This economic trend is bypassing rural Ireland. The opportunities created by this growth in our economy are designed to sustain urban areas at the expense of rural Ireland. The Government and the national agencies are not doing enough to correct the imbalance between city and rural regeneration. There has been a gradual erosion of confidence and belief in the Government's support for rural development. In recent years, there has been a growing perception, evident in public policies such as the national development plan, that the future of Ireland only exists in the context of urban development and facilitation. People in rural Ireland now believe they are undervalued and less important in this new post-Brexit Ireland. There is an unsettling mood of powerlessness among rural dwellers. This is affecting their well-being and enthusiasm for continuing to contribute to an economy and society that offers little in return. The urban sector is absorbing a disproportionate amount of available resources. A balance must be restored or rural Ireland will die quickly and quietly.

The facts are clear. Agriculture and food production are the backbone of the rural economy. Every sector in agriculture is under enormous pressure and struggling to survive. Farm costs have escalated dramatically and net income has been decimated. Rural roads are neglected to the extent that many are impassable. Poor access to a proper broadband service and information technology is a huge disadvantage. It is impossible for country towns to attract industry as they have little prospect of competing against the city locations that have it in place. Rural depopulation is rampant due to lack of jobs. Significant numbers of young people are forced to migrate to urban centres. Post offices are closing in huge numbers without consideration of the social and community impact.

We have a wonderful nation of talented and creative people and, regardless of their addresses, those people are entitled to feel valued and empowered. We have to look at Ireland as a single entity and not two separate components. Our policies must be national and must benefit everyone.

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