Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Government’s five-year policy aimed to deliver well-being for all in supporting an aligned approach to rural development, specifically in regard to access to good quality public services such as public transport, healthcare and housing provision. I acknowledge the tremendous work the Minister has undertaken in implementing this plan, providing a flexible approach using rural proofing and ensuring tailored responses to different requirements at local level. The provision and investment in rural public transport infrastructure is a significant priority in enabling the rural population to grow and ensuring people can access work, education and social activities. While it must be acknowledged that the Government is acting to reduce emissions and deliver environmental, social and economic benefits to all regions, we have not invested enough in public transport in the past decade.

The solution to transport emissions is to change our system to encourage public transport and active travel. We need to ensure that rural transport is frequent, flexible, reliable and accessible. However, disability access and the lack of public transport in rural parts of counties Louth and east Meath and the affordability and reliability of existing services are issues constantly raised in my weekly clinics. The current system, due to the lack of public transport options, has been orientated towards car ownership and use. Many rural workers and families are completely reliant on private car use for education, work and leisure.

Connectivity through rural connective hubs is crucial in order to keep our rural communities alive. While there is no question of a lack of investment in this renewed plan it is imperative the Minister for Transport monitors and periodically audits progress on improving accessibility for all. As Louth is located along the commuter belt, I welcome the new regional connections between the midlands and north-east regions, linking Dundalk and Ardee, Drogheda and Trim and Athlone to Longford. However, the timeline for the delivery of the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan must be accelerated as there is a lack of public transport infrastructure. Routes from rural parts of my constituency to larger areas, such as Dublin, have a high reliance on private commercial bus operators or cars. Robust community structures are particularly required in rural areas where the support needs of vulnerable people are pronounced due to the dispersed nature of the population.

Connectivity, whether through transport links or digital connectivity, is hugely important. The delivery of high-speed broadband to every part of the country is paramount in supporting the diversification of rural economies and jobs through digital technologies, but also in the provision of digital services such as healthcare. Ireland has an ageing population. The number of people over 65 years of age accounts for 15% of the population in rural areas.While I acknowledge the integral work of the public health nursing service in providing primary care services in rural Ireland, I specifically raise the issue of health inequalities and the lack of access to GP services in rural areas of my constituency. Although the practice support package for rural GP practices was introduced and increased by 10% under the 2019 GP agreement, there are ongoing GP access and retention issues which are likely to heighten with the extension of GP visit cards.

Access to mental health services is also hampered in rural Ireland. I have constantly raised in the Dáil the issues with CAMHS, waiting lists and lack of services in County Louth and east Meath. Digital connectivity is an equality issue as well as a business and technology issue. Over the lifetime of this policy, improved connectivity and digital innovation will support older people to live independently in their communities with access to more supports and services through connected technologies.

In regard to housing, the national planning framework, NPF, envisages an increase of 1 million in Ireland’s population by 2040, with 50% of this growth predicted to take place in rural areas. If this plan is achieved it will help to support balanced regional development. Yet, it was reported at the May meeting of Louth County Council that planning permission was refused for 40% of rural homes in 2022. From 2021, Louth’s rural planning requirements are restrictive when compared with the rest of the country especially in relation to the local needs requirement. While the population and housing needs in County Louth will continue to grow by 20% statistics in the Louth county development plan indicate that housing in rural areas will only be permitted to grow by 9.4%. Rural communities will be greatly impacted if this does not change. Housing in rural Ireland has always been a major difficulty, with planning permissions almost impossible to obtain. The variation in the reasons for refusal is shocking in a time of housing crisis. It seems planning policies are very anti-rural in nature, pushing people from rural communities into towns. We must turn that around by easing the restrictions on planning.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage said in May 2023 that updated guidelines will expand on the high-level spatial planning policy of the NPF, in particular on national policy objective 19 which relates to rural housing. However, if the local authority development plans are inconsistent with population needs, and the rejection rate is ever increasing, these guideline changes are required immediately. In doing so, we can alleviate the housing crisis and aid the development of rural Ireland.

Overall, I emphasise the crucial need for balanced regional development throughout the country, specifically in areas such as County Louth and east Meath, which I represent. It is imperative we continue to focus on the delivery of high-quality infrastructure in rural communities to ensure economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being and development in rural areas. Over the lifetime of this policy, improved connectivity and digital innovation will help communities to have greater outreach meaning a better quality of life for rural dwellers.

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