A community development plan for rural communities in north Laois will be launched in Clonaslee tonight.
The Glenbarrow Area Development Plan addresses issues such as the decline in farming, alternative farm income, problems of rural isolation and lack of public transport.
It has been compiled by the Glenbarrow Area Development Committee, a voluntary body active in the parishes of Mountmellick/Clonaghad, Rosenallis and Clonaslee. Laois Leader Rural Development Company played an important role in the plan, organising meetings between community groups and drawing up a plan for each parish. Following this, an interim group was set up with representatives from each of the parishes to formulate a consolidated plan.
The plan aims to overcome barriers to social integration and employment, such as a lack of public transport, by getting funds from the social programmes in the National Development Plan.
It is hoped to put structures in place to focus on the needs of the area and create links with public agencies and organisations.
The location of the area, in the Border Midlands and Western region, will help to attract maximum funding, according to Mr Trevor Stanley, a spokesman for Laois Leader.
At this evening's launch in the Clonaslee Heritage Centre, Mr Brian Mooney of Integrated Rural Development, Co Mayo, will speak about the issues encountered in community development in that county.
Further information on the plan may be had from Mr Stanley at Laois Leader on 050-261900.