It had, at best, a very modest impact in rural Ireland and did little or nothing to slow the concentration in greater Dublin. Much of the potential enthusiastically described by Mr McCreevy remains unrealised. So much so that another decentralisation programme — Our Rural Future — was launched on Monday. The strategy includes consideration of incentives to entice workers to rural areas and proposals for revitalising towns. The plan will be underpinned by funding which will be outlined in an updated National Development Plan.

Source: Irish Examiner March 30, 2021 07:49 UTC