“Rural Ireland Isn’t Dying, It’s Being Killed”

“Rural Ireland Isn’t Dying, It’s Being Killed” – Cllr Jim Codd

Wexford Cllr Jim Codd has raised concerns about the worsening housing crisis and it’s impacts for rural Ireland Speaking today, Jim Codd said “The housing crisis is hollowing out rural Ireland. The average rent in Wexford now exceeds €1,000 per month. This is paralleled by the rapidly increasing cost of rent, which has already gone up by 15% since last year alone in Wexford. This is devastating rural Ireland”

Cllr Codd continued “This is a direct result of policy. The housing crisis, lack of services and poor urban planning are creating the conditions to drain the countryside of its' population. While Ireland's population grew by 31% between 1996 and 2016, there has been a doughnut effect around Dublin. The population of Meath and Kildare grew by 78% and 65% respectively, while rural areas saw growth as low as 17%. As a result, there’s been a complete breakdown of the viability of local shops, butchers, even post offices. This feeds a cycle of rural collapse”

“Rural Ireland is central to our identity as a nation. It’s heart breaking to hear from families whose sons and daughters want to stay in rural areas but are being forced out because of the cost of rent or the lack of jobs and services. The government needs to stop feeding this collapse and take serious steps to re-vitalise the rural Ireland” concluded Cllr. Codd

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.