Irish Rural Link (IRL) enthusiastically welcomed Maria Walsh MEP to Westmeath on Wednesday, 16 July, for a productive meeting with Chief Executive Officer Briain Smyth and members of the Irish Rural Link Board of Directors and staff team.
The visit offered an opportunity for Irish Rural Link to showcase the breadth of its activities across multiple ongoing projects and initiatives supporting rural development and communities across Ireland. Irish Rural Link leads partnerships in key rural projects such as CAP Network Ireland, the National Meals on Wheels Network, AgriKids farm safety, the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership, and two PEACEPLUS cross-border initiatives encouraging rural development in the border regions, amongst others. The Cooperative is also involved in five European-funded projects and collaborative networks, and advocates on rural issues at national and EU level to influence policy and present a strong voice for rural communities. Discussions during the visit highlighted the cooperative’s work in rural development, social inclusion, community resilience, transport, climate action, and supporting underrepresented groups in rural areas.
A key focus of the meeting was the proposed new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget and its implications for rural development. Irish Rural Link outlined the importance of maintaining strong investment in rural communities, with particular emphasis on protecting and strengthening the LEADER programme, which continues to play a vital role in supporting locally-led development, community enterprise and economic diversification across rural Ireland.
Speaking on this issue, Maria Walsh MEP asserted that:
‘LEADER has been a cornerstone of rural development in Ireland for generations. It has provided vital investment for strengthening communities and supporting local initiatives. As discussions on the next CAP budget continue, and in the absence of Pillar II, ensuring that funding for rural development remains protected and enhanced is a priority for rural organisations. The loss of the LEADER programme would be felt most acutely in disadvantaged and remote rural areas, where its impact on communities over the years has been really quite significant.’
Discussing the need for continued investment in Ireland’s rural transport network. Irish Rural Link emphasised the importance of expanding and improving accessible, affordable and reliable public transport services to ensure rural communities remain connected to employment, education, healthcare and essential services. IRL stressed that enhanced rural mobility is fundamental to tackling social isolation and supporting sustainable rural development.
Gender equality and the challenges facing women living in rural Ireland formed another important aspect of the meeting. Irish Rural Link and Maria Walsh MEP discussed the ongoing need to address domestic violence against women, strengthen supports for victims and survivors, and create greater opportunities to help women return to the workforce through accessible childcare, flexible employment opportunities, training and improved transport connections.
Speaking following the meeting, Briain Smyth, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Maria Walsh MEP to Irish Rural Link and to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing rural Ireland. It was a really valuable opportunity to highlight the work that we’re undertaking with communities across the country and to reinforce the importance of continued investment in rural development. We’re very appreciative of Maria’s engagement on the key issues raised, including the future of the LEADER programme, rural transport, and ensuring that women living in rural areas have access to the supports and opportunities they need to participate fully in society and the economy.”
Maria Walsh MEP welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from Irish Rural Link about the issues affecting rural communities in Ireland and acknowledged the vital role the organisation plays in representing rural voices at both national and European level.
Irish Rural Link looks forward to continuing its engagement with policymakers at Irish and EU level to ensure that rural communities remain at the heart of future policy development and investment.
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For further information, please contact:
Briain Smyth (Chief Executive) or Louise Lennon (Policy and Communications Officer) at 09064 82744
