National Spatial Strategy For Ireland 2002 - 2020 - Full ... - Kildare.ie

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It will be necessary to
Secure agriculture, where it has the capacity to remain strong and viable, by maintaining the maximum possible
number of family farms, while at the same time ensuring that smaller farmers have the opportunity to supplement their
farm income through off-farm work.
Diversify rural employment options and stabilise population through
– resource based development in sectors such as forestry, marine and natural resources, enterprise and local services
– tourism development through quality market-responsive products, enhanced access and co-ordinated promotion of a
tourism product, which offers a range of complementary visitor experiences
– protecting landscape, water resources and habitats.
Rural areas with particular cultural identities, associated for instance with language as in the case of the Gaeltacht, or
the islands and other areas of significant cultural heritage, can act as magnets for people and for certain types and
levels of investment. These cultural identities can make a significant contribution therefore to underpinning the rural
economy, stabilising populations and strengthening communities. Conservation of identity needs to be considered in
ways that allow development to take place, while at the same time protecting the area’s heritage resources. The
Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in conjunction with Údarás Na Gaeltachta, the Western
Development Commission and local authorities will continue to play an important role in strengthening infrastructure
and promoting enterprise in Gaeltacht areas.
3.5.2 Strengthening Communities
In 1996, 42% of the State’s population resided in rural areas i.e. outside urban areas of 1,500 or more people. The
proportion of people living in rural areas has been declining, particularly where agriculturally based employment is
contracting and where critical mass is too weak to attract or support alternative sources of employment. The strength
and integrity of many rural communities is under stress as a result. New approaches to underpin the future vitality of
rural communities are essential.
If Ireland is to retain a substantial proportion of its population in rural areas, vibrant, living communities and the
services they require will need to be supported. Ways have to be sought in which these communities can be secured
and strengthened. Two main types of responses are proposed.
Settlement policies are needed that take into account varying rural development contexts. Policies are needed for areas
with declining populations as well as policies to deal with areas in which there are overspill issues associated with
proximity to urban centres. Additional guidance on this issue is set out in Section 5.3.
Enhanced accessibility must be linked with integrated settlement policy to revitalise rural communities.
3.5.3 Strengthening Environmental Qualities
Rural areas contain some of the most important national resources in terms of the natural environment and landscape
as well as highly important elements of natural heritage. The sensitive development and conservation of these
resources and heritage is essential to the underpinning of strengthened rural economies and the national economy
itself. The resources include:
• agricultural land for high quality food production
• water resources of high quality, in rivers and lakes, in groundwater and off shore
• forestry, which yields economically valuable timber and timber products, and which also makes a contribution to
reducing global warming
• a world-renowned landscape, the attractiveness and integrity of which are central to Ireland’s tourism industry.
The National Spatial Strategy | People, Places and Potential