RSA Welcomes New Rural Development Programme.

The Rural Science Association has welcomed the signing of contracts for the delivery of the new €425.4 million Rural Development Programme.

Chairman Dermot Leavy said the signing of the new contracts by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuiv showed the Government remained deeply committed to the future well being of rural areas. Mr Leavy said this clears the way for Local Action Groups to begin administering this much needed funding, vital to the sustainability of rural areas. He said it is important that rural communities remain highly innovative and entrepreneurial in their approach to sustainability and job and service creation in rural Ireland.