Rural Link identifies "brake" on midland

The Moate Irish Rural Link, which campaigns for sustainable rural communities, has made a submission to the Midland Regional Authority for its review of the region"s Regional Planning Guidelines.IRL has arged that the high rates of those at risk of poverty, and the low income figures in the region can only be addressed by developing (and improving access to) educational and training opportunities, combined with job creation.Stating that the midlands has the lowest proportion of persons with a third level qualification; the lowest proportion of persons from 15-24 still in full-time education; and the highest proportions of persons with only primary or no formal education it says an information communications and technology strategy would play a role in addressing this.Continuing, IRL has argued that due to the increasing age profile of the area, the optimum location for health services must be determined in conjunction with the HSE, and the needs of older people must be addressed.Rural transport to combat isolation is also required.IRL also believes that the RPGs must facilitate small business growth.