The propose of this rural conversation is to contemplate the future of rural communities in Ireland, see: https://www.ria.ie/rural-conversation for details.
The Royal Irish Academy’s 2018–19 series of rural stakeholders’ consultative events, organised in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, focuses on (1) Economic development, (2) Social cohesion and (3) Sustainable rural communities.
‘These conversations represent a moment of reflection on rural development’
(Participant Feedback, Rural Conversations Series, 8 November 2018)
The final event is being held at Waterford Institute of Technology on Thursday 04 April. This round table event brings together ninety stakeholders from Ireland’s rural community, including community leaders, academics, government support agents, business owners and students to gather their views on what policy measures are required to support vibrant, resilient and sustainable communities in rural Ireland into the future, particularly in the context of social, economic and environmental change.
Two main questions will be posed to roundtables of stakeholders for discussion and formulation of recommendations:
- What are the characteristics of vibrant and sustainable rural communities in Ireland?
- What policy actions need to be taken to ensure that rural communities are resilient, vibrant and inclusive, and better equipped for the challenges of the future?
This workshop will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to make a contribution to the formulation of the Government’s next phase of rural development policy.