Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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1006. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted an analysis of the trend of rural depopulation specifically with respect to the idea that the future of farming may involve the concentration of job creation around urban centres with resulting declines in rural service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8116/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has not conducted an analysis of rural population trends but is aware of work carried out in this regard by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).

My Department does monitor population trends in farming and the Census of Agriculture and the Farm Structure Survey, both carried out by the CSO, are particularly important. In Ireland there are around 137,500 farms and that total number has remained remarkably stable over the past 20 years.

My Department funds a wide range of research projects including one led by Teagasc titled “Rural Generational Renewal 2050”, which is examining what future drivers of change and challenges will matter most to renewing rural jobs in agriculture and forestry in the period to 2050. Other research funded by my Department includes agricultural research projects, innovative food processing projects and forestry research projects. These research projects and others will assist in developing policy on ensuring a viable future for rural Ireland.

Meanwhile my Department is engaged with the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), which is currently finalising a new whole-of-Government rural development policy for the period 2021-2025. The policy recognises the importance of balanced regional development, and the interdependency of rural and urban areas. Through this policy the Government will deliver innovative solutions to address challenges affecting rural areas, including in relation to job creation, sustainable population growth, access to services, social inclusion, and adapting to the challenges of climate change.