Rural Development - from the NICVA Policy Manifesto
Posted by Feargal O'Kane on Feb 12 2007 under Rural development, Policy Manifesto |
People are at the heart of rural communities, however, the focus of rural development initiatives within government remains centred on agriculture and the environment. Both are important but the process of community rural development is a positive force that stimulates social cohesion and helps communities develop and grow and one that should not be overlooked.
There is still tension between agriculture and rural development and a lack of recognition of the interdependence of urban and rural areas, and the diversity within and between rural areas. Theses larger issues should be addressed to ensure social and spatial equity throughout Northern Ireland.
Therefore in the absence of a Rural White Paper the need for effective rural proofi ng is all the more important to ensure that government policies are not disadvantaging individuals living in rural areas.
The vision for rural development, which should be central to the Rural White Paper, is the development of sustainable rural communities which make a contribution to the regional economic and social wellbeing of Northern Ireland. Nevertheless poverty, social exclusion and inequalities still persist in rural Northern Ireland, though they are often hidden and isolated,
especially when experienced by geographically dispersed groups of people. The application of the Noble Index of Deprivation by funders has exacerbated problems as rural areas often miss out on vital resources because the index cannot take account of local sensitivities that are masked in the wider index.
Political parties and the Assembly should:
- Ensure that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is a champion for all rural issues and that all rural development strategies are clearly articulated.
- Ensure that there is effective representation from the rural sector during the community planning process, which recognises the multiple issues that impact upon rural development. In addition, there should be active community involvement in the formulation of local development plans.
- Review how the allocation of resources using the Noble Index of Deprivation is made and ensure a complementary measure that takes account of the rural assets is developed.
- Ensure that the Rural White Paper recognises, endorses and develops the existing rural community infrastructure (Rural Community Network, Rural Support Networks and community organisations) and that it is properly resourced at all levels, from government departments through to District Councils.
- Recognise that rural areas are becoming increasingly diverse but the impact of segregation and sectarianism is still significant. Therefore people and communities should be supported in their efforts to develop a shared future.
Comments
Leave a Reply
