Rural Poverty Current perspective Rural Poverty Irish Rural

Rural Poverty Current perspective Rural Poverty

Irish Rural Link l l Founded in 1991 Representing Community based organisations whose aim is to promote rural sustainability Has campaigned consistently for rural sustainability through community development. Represents the Rural Strand on National Social Partnership 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Some Background l l l Rural Poverty is synonymous with all developing societies. Ireland still carries the memory of the Famine. Characterised by emigration, joblessness, low incomes and lack of access to an array of basic services. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Accepted principles l l Poverty In Rural Ireland Curtain, Tovey and Hasse 1996. Combat Poverty is invisible. It is linked to the “small holding farm family” structure of Irish Agriculture. It is spatial i. e. Rural settlement patterns are is much more scattered than the rest of Europe. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Accepted principles l l Farm incomes consistently less than half of the industrial wage. Huge dependency on the availability of off farm or spousal jobs. Services i. e. health, education especially special school services, transport is hardest for the lower income. Poor understanding of the difficulties faced by non farmers including people from ethnic and migrant groups. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Poverty facts l l l Poverty is more likely in rural areas than urban areas. In 2008 the risk of poverty in rural Ireland was 6. 9 per cent higher than in urban Ireland with at risk rates of 18. 2 per cent and 11. 3 per cent respectively. Trutz Hasse data shows remote rural areas are consistently amongst the most disadvantaged in the state. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Poverty facts l l l Difference between the ‘poorest’ and ‘richest’ counties increased in the Celtic tiger period. In rural areas poverty and disadvantage is experienced at individual level, or is dispersed over large geographical areas. Rural poverty can exist side by side with considerable wealth and affluence Isolation has serious psychological effects and suicide rates in rural areas can be up to 25% greater than in Dublin. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Responses Mid 1960’s - the Farm Modernisation scheme. l 1972 – Entry into Europe l 1996 – Cork Charter on rural Development; which lead onto the current EU rural development programme. l 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Responses l l l Farmers dole now known as farm assist, established in some form since late 60’s Current Rural social scheme. Rural LEADER and partnership programmes including small holder initiatives Rural rapid programmes CLAR Teagasc advisory service. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Challenges l l l Current recession Climate Change (carbon tax etc) Declining farm incomes High cost and availability of public services Relevance of current Rural White Paper The next funding round of the EU rural development programme 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Looking ahead l l The re definition of the rural white paper A fresh commitment to – – – rural proofing Community rural development Innovative thinking in service delivery Real income initiatives Real regional development. …. . AND More…. . ? 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty

Conclusion l l It is still invisible Income levels have not changed Non farm groups often omitted from consideration Government must recommit to community rural development principles. 12/26/2021 Rural Poverty