merrion street

Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, today welcomed the publication of Realising our Rural Potential – the Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., in Ballymahon, Co. Longford.

"This is the most comprehensive plan any Government has produced to support the economic and social development of rural communities. It has a wide reach and covers all aspects of rural life – it is about supporting, empowering and building sustainable communities; it is about growing jobs and enterprise; it is about maximising our tourism, culture and heritage assets; and about improving connectivity in rural areas".

As Minister with responsibility for regional economic development, Minister of State Ring said:

"I am determined that through this Plan, we will support and encourage balanced economic development in rural and regional Ireland. In particular I look forward to working with colleagues across Government and others to develop the Atlantic Economic Corridor in the west of Ireland to match other areas of the country in attracting Irish and multinational investment and in growing jobs".

"I am also looking forward to maximising the potential of assets such as our National Parks and Nature Reserves to really tap into the tourism benefits that they present for rural Ireland – particularly in the area of outdoor activity tourism which is a key growth sector worldwide. I am also excited by the opportunities presented by our waterways infrastructure. I've seen the benefits arising for rural communities out of these kinds of collaborative tourism related initiatives and through the Plan we will further develop this potential".