Northern Ireland Minister Visits Wicklow

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Northern Ireland Minister Visits Wicklow

Friday, March 23 2007

Michelle Gildernew, MP, MLA, was in Wicklow Monday to highlight the problems faced by rural dwellers in modern Ireland.

The young Tyrone woman is Sinn Féin Minister designate for Agriculture and Rural Affairs in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She attended the Co. Wicklow launch in Lee's in Kilcoole. The party has issued "Equality for Rural Communities", a document that deals with health, housing, support and revitalising Irish agriculture. Between 40 and 50 people attended the launch.

"It was a real honour to have her here," said Cllr. John Brady.

"Her presence helped to highlight the issues people in rural areas have to deal with. Families who have lived in the same area for generations are now finding it impossible to remain in their own area due to planning restrictions. This is already a fairly common occurrence in West Wicklow," Brady said.

"Government policy should support rural regeneration and sustainable rural development. Young people who wish to remain in the area they grew up in should be encouraged to stay if they wish. They and their families will sustain a need for services such as schools and transport links," Brady said.

"Instead we find government policy working the opposite way: rural post offices are being closed by the dozen. These are vitally important social elements of any community. We also have rural Garda stations being closed by this government. Then they add insult to injury by threatening the closure of hospitals," Brady concluded.

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