Government's Rural Future plan will not deliver for South Kildare - TD
Sinn Féin TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh was speaking in the Dáil this week
A Sinn Féin TD has slated the government's recently announced Our Rural Future 2026-2031 policy, stating it will not deliver for the people of South Kildare.
Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh was speaking in the Dáil this week, following the launch of the policy on Tuesday, October 27.
The policy sets out 34 high-level commitments to strengthen rural communities, support local economies and improve quality of life across rural Ireland.
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, November 4, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: “Rural Ireland is the backbone of this country. The people of south Kildare are proud of their rural communities, their heritage and way of life. Families have lived and worked in these areas for generations and we have a responsibility to ensure that those communities not only strive but thrive.
“Unfortunately, this strategy does little to achieve that goal. It is a polished document full of good intentions and worthy aspirations but it fails to address fundamental challenges facing rural Ireland today.”
According to Deputy Ní Raghallaigh, the “two core issues” raised during the consultation process – housing and generational renewal – remain largely unaddressed.
Instead, she stated, the government “chose to ignore the reality on the ground and created another fluffy policy document that will just gather dust.”
She added: “The reality is simple. People can no longer afford to live in the communities where they grew up. Young people are priced out of the rental market and buying a home is completely out of the question for the vast majority of people.
“What rural Ireland needs are measurable targets for affordable housing, serviced sites and the refurbishment of derelict and vacant properties. We have to follow through with delivery and not another strategy.”
The Sinn Féin TD said the plan does not commit resources to tangibly improve public services that people are “crying out for” in Kildare South, such as childcare places, primary care and out-of-hours GP services.
South Kildare also has some of the lowest garda numbers per capita, she pointed out, adding that water infrastructure in Derrinturn and Allenwood is at “breaking point.”
Narraghmore and Moone have also lost their post offices in recent times, she said.
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh added: “The strategy will not deliver for these communities. There is no concrete commitment to expand the oversubscribed school transport scheme, nor is there any further investment in special educational placements to allow children with additional needs to attend school with their siblings in their local area instead of being shuttled across towns and sometimes counties to attend school, and that is if they can attend school at all.
“While little in the document is objectionable, little in it inspires confidence. It provides no real hope for communities struggling to retain their population, attract young families or maintain essential services.
“A genuine rural future means affordable homes, accessible public services, thriving local communities and dignity for our older people. This document falls well short of that standard and is further evidence of how out of touch the Government is.”