With forecasts that the economy will grow by 6% this year, some are questioning the need for the Government to include further stimulus measures in the upcoming budget.

Such questioning would be valid if we assumed that the rate of economic growth was even across the country.

However, anyone living or trying to run a business in rural Ireland clearly knows this is not the case.

While many of the regional cities are starting to see some of the upswing experienced within the Dublin commuter belt, economic growth remains elusive in many towns and villages. CSO figures show that unemployment rates in some rural regions remains in double-digit figures and 1.5-2% ahead of Dublin figures.

In a recovery, it is logical that the pace of change will be accelerated in urban areas where the workforce and larger multinationals tend to be concentrated. However, we have seen the important role that rural Ireland played during the economic downturn and indeed leading the recovery. The upcoming budget provides an opportunity for the Government to recognise this fact and move to ensure that rural towns and villages capitalise on the upswing in economic fortunes.

Economic growth must be spread beyond the commuter belts of our regional cities. Committing to delivering a fully funded rural development programme is a vital first step. On page 6 we detail the recommendations being put forward by the IFA for inclusion in the budget.