Did you know that…?
In 2006, 8.1% of Co. Kilkenny’s workforce was employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing, compared to 4.6% nationally.
Rural areas face a challenge to protect their unique character and heritage whilst providing sustainable working and living environments for the community.
The numbers employed in agriculture continue to fall, despite an upturn in the sector. Protection of agricultural land is critical to ensure viable farms for the future. New opportunities of diversification are available and require support. In particular, local food specialty enterprises such as Knockdrinna and Lavistown have been very successful.
Other rural employment sources such as extractive industries, renewable technologies and forestry need to be carefully managed.
Demand remains for new ‘one off’ rural housing. The Government is introducing increased regulation of septic tanks, to prevent pollution in rural areas.
Tourism continues to offer employment creation opportunities. Scenic areas attract the greatest interest, and consequentially are most at pressure from development.
Fuel prices have risen steadily; this affects the community network and isolation in rural areas. The role of rural transport initiatives such as Ring a Link will become more significant.
Questions:
- How can Council policy support sustainability of all aspects of life in rural areas?
- How can we support and sustain essential local services in rural areas?
on Tue, 08/05/2012 - 12:40pm creilly
