July 16th 2014

ICSA Rural Development Chairman Billy Gray has welcomed the creation of a new Ministry of State for with special responsibility for rural economic development (implementation of the CEDRA Report) and rural transport, with Carlow/Kilkenny TD Ann Phelan (Labour) appointed to the brief.

“It’s good to see that the Taoiseach recognises that the economic revival needs to benefit rural communities as well as urban dwellers, even at this early stage,” said Mr. Gray. “New minister Ann Phelan must now ensure that a genuine effort is made to improve the lot of rural Ireland, and we wish her well with this important task.”

The creation of a Ministerial function for the coordination of rural economic development was one of the recommendations of The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) report.