Local Enterprise Development Priority (Sub-Programme)

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5.4 Impacts of Local Enterprise Development Priority (Sub-Programme)

5.4.4 Impact on Rural Development

Within the BMW Region 68% of the population reside in rural areas which are prone to persistent population decline, are less likely to attract inward investment, have less favourable age structures and frequently experience marginalisation. One of the principle aims of the NDP is to promote greater regional and sub-regional spread of economic growth.

The Local Enterprise Development Priority (Sub-Programme) will tackle rural decline and encourage greater rural development. In rural areas, tourism often provides an additional source of income to small farmers on low incomes who might otherwise have to leave the land. Developing the tourism product and extending the tourist season will lead to more secure employment and more balanced regional distribution which will contribute to the regeneration of depressed areas and aid regional economic development.

Based locally within Counties, the Enterprise Boards are particularly aware of the needs of local enterprises and provide a valuable service in supporting and advising on enterprise development. The Micro-Enterprises Measure will play an important role in contributing to increased employment opportunities within the Region, particularly for rural dwellers who depend on these smaller scale enterprises for employment.

The Forestry Measure will have a positive impact on rural development supporting, as it does, a primary industry which provides employment in rural areas, including areas of otherwise marginal land.

The Fishery Harbours, Gaeltacht Islands and Aquaculture Measure will have a similar effect on remote, peripheral coastal communities with few, if any, alternative sources of employment and will also supplement seasonal incomes from farming and tourism. The Measure will therefore facilitate the social and economic development of these areas and in this way will contribute to the alleviation of poverty, greater social cohesion and rural development generally.

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