Macra na Feirme president Seán Finan and policy officer Paul Smith recently appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Macra thanked committee chair Peadar Tóbín TD and the members for their invitation to discuss what it takes to sustain a viable rural community.

The Macra rural youth committee is focused on developing policy and programmes geared at young, rural people. Encouraging job creation is central to ensuring a high quality of life. Investment in education and modern infrastructure such as broadband, rail and secondary/regional road network is key to this. Rural communities’ ability to prosper is constrained without high-speed broadband. Macra na Feirme supports the rollout and calls for the speedy implementation of the National Broadband Action Plan and, also, the Action Plan for Jobs.

Modern infrastructure will also drive rural tourism opportunities. A full review of timetabling on rail routes is needed to ensure that commuter services are available and guarantees continuity of service in the medium/long term. Leader funding would be used in a more strategic way to encourage enterprise and rural diversification and low-interest European Investment Bank loans should be explored further.

Physical and mental health services need more support in rural areas. Mental health services should be more community-based. There needs to be a focus on mindfulness, building mental resilience and coping skills, which is important for surviving in our high-tech modern world. The Macra/Calor Know Your Neighbour initiative helps to combat isolation.

Rural crime was also highlighted. The FBD Young Farmer of the Year survey confirmed that 50% of young farmers were victims of rural crime and 83% want the right to bear arms to defend their property. Macra called for a significant portion of new Garda recruits be posted in rural areas.

The cost of car insurance for young people was raised and how Macra works with FBD to secure a 15% discount for members. Farming still remains the backbone of rural Ireland. Attracting and retaining non-farming young people is about employment opportunities. The implementation of the CEDRA report is crucial.

Macra concluded by saying that we have to remain positive and promote the quality of life and the benefits of living in rural areas.