The Ballyhoura Development Company, in Kilfinane, Co Limerick, has just published its annual report. The company's sphere of influence stretches to north Cork.
The report shows that where local communities are motivated in a structured way, many good things can happen. Last year, says the report, was a period of intense planning and assessment of local needs. Now a three-year local development programme, grant-aided to the tune of £938,000 by Area Development Management, an arm of Government, is under way.
The programme is aimed at improving the lot of towns and villages throughout the region. It includes planning and training for rural tourism initiatives; painting schemes; village renewal; training and support services for industry and enterprise initiatives; as well as flower-growing projects; networking opportunities; and support for rural transport schemes.
Introducing the report, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Mr Noel Davern, said rural and local development was about people and the communities in which they lived. "These people must have a role in securing their own futures", he added.
Mr Seamus Hyde, chairman of the development company, said that rural areas must be made more attractive for investment, and called for a new package of rural investment tax breaks.