Rural Development

Goal - Create jobs in rural areas to reduce commuting, provide alternative employment opportunities and sustain vibrant rural communities. 

There are two towns in County Waterford, Dungarvan and Tramore, each with a population over 8,000.  Otherwise the majority of towns in the County have populations of up to 1,700 persons.  Waterford is predominantly a rural County and as such rural development must be a priority for the Economic Plan.   

There is significant scope to develop rural economies by implementing a focussed approach to rural economic development.  Some profile high potential start-ups and key employers operate successfully in centres such as Lismore, Tallow, Dunhill, Cappoquin and Dungarvan.  For example over 120 people are employed in 20 companies operating from Dunhill, a village with a population of 177. 

County Waterford specifically are characterised by a high levels of commuting to job opportunities.  In the absence of frequent public transport to rural areas, the solution to reduce commuting and dependence on the car is to provide meaningful job opportunities locally.  Local employment opportunities can be further harnessed through eWorking. 

Most of the actions set out in this Economic Plan are designed to create jobs in rural and urban areas.  However, in addition to the projects outlined in previous sections, there is a need to implement a specific programme aimed at rural development of the County.  The best way to sustain vibrant rural communities is to create quality job opportunities in local areas.

While foreign direct investment would be welcome in rural areas, and indeed IDA Ireland own sites throughout the County, the focus of the rural development agenda will be to stimulate indigenous businesses in local areas. 

A range of specific rural development initiatives will be implemented as set out in Table 8.1.

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