A North West MEP is calling for ‘a fundamental rethink’ of government policy on rural Ireland.
Sinn Fein’s Matt Carthy says rural decline has not happened by accident but because of the actions of successive governments.
And he says, that with Brexit, this has now become ‘an extremely critical issue.’
Among the problems, he says, is overly-burdensome regulations on businesses, farmers and local authorities.
Mr Carthy says there’s no point in politicians welcoming announcements such as for funding for creches and community centres — worthy as they are — while at the same time voting for measures that impact negatively on rural areas.
