More Remote Areas are Losing Out – Teagasc Survey
30 March 2004
A Teagasc study has shown pronounced differences in population between remote rural areas and those nearer major urban centres.
The study, conducted in rural areas in Galway by Jim Frawley of the Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre, shows that the population in areas near urban centres increased by up to 50% between 1996 and 2002. In contrast, the population of more remote rural areas remained static or declined during the same period.
Addressing the Teagasc Rural Development Conference in Tullamore, Jim Frawley said the study reveals that non-farmers are now the dominant household types in areas close to urban centres.
“In the near-urban areas only one-sixth of heads of households are farmers compared to over half in the more remote areas. Also, in the remote areas, a high proportion of the population are retired or unemployed.”
“Less than 6% of households are solely dependent on farming for their income. For those at work, commuting of up to 100 miles a day is normal. Also, working spouses are more likely to be employed in professional and management positions, including teaching and nursing”, said Jim Frawley.
He said lack of access to jobs and lack of public transport were identified by householders in the more remote areas as major impediments. Water quality is also a concern in some areas. Householders identified a sense of security and safety as one of the positive features of living in rural areas.
Jim Frawley said the study shows the need for a wider approach to rural development than exists at present.
“While it is clear that the principal dynamic for the development of rural areas depends on non-farm enterprises, it must not detract from the major role of farming in sustaining rural development. There is need to integrate farming into rural development policy. Also, aspects such as IT infrastructure, particularly broadband, and use of natural resources, such as forestry, are crucial to the development of employment in rural areas,” he said.
Teagasc researcher, Barbara Hunter, told the conference that the increase in the number of short stay British tourists, the slowdown in growth of American visitors and a decline in activity holidays, such as cycling and angling, has led to a change in regional distribution of tourist revenue. Dublin and the south west have shown above average growth while growth in the north west is well below average.
She gave the results of a study she conducted on the potential for tourism in five north midland counties, Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath. The region does not have a definite tourism image. Nevertheless, there are specific examples of multiple compatible resource use, such as Killykeen and Lough Key Forest Parks.
She called for the establishment of an integrated programme for the development of tourism in rural areas.
“While there are many stakeholders in the rural tourism development process, there is not a strong consciousness of being engaged in a common effort. Rural tourism requires its own dedicated structures to give it thrust and focus,” she said.
Click here for the proceedings from the Rural Development Conference 2004.
