Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Page 43 of the programme for Government indicates that the Government promises to put in place measures to revitalise all of Ireland. In January 2017 the Government launched the Action Plan for Rural Development and Pat Spillane was appointed an ambassador to engage with local communities. Rural Ireland is getting a hammering in every way possible. I have been canvassing in west Cork and have found at every second house I have called to that people are angry at the way the Government has walked away from rural Ireland. My sources tell me that Pat Spillane, who the Government appointed and who has been a clear voice for the people of rural Ireland, has been removed from this position. Is this another nail in the coffin for rural Ireland? Has the Government removed the ambassador for rural development?

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