Cost of rural living highlighted in new report

17 November 2010

Minister for Rural Development Michelle Gildernew has welcomed a study into the minimum essential standard of living budgets required to live in a rural area.

The study, carried out by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice, in the Republic of Ireland found that the cost difference between urban and rural households ranges between €69.91 and €108.61 per week.

Download the report

Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Household Types in Rural Areas

Minister Gildernew said: “This research in the South clearly articulates what I have believed for some time, that there is a significant additional expense to living in a rural area. Coupling this research with the fact that incomes are lower in the countryside, we can clearly see that the risk of poverty is a reality for many of our rural dwellers.”

Minister Gildernew added: “This research also builds on the many discussions and debates that were had at the All Ireland Conference on Combating Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion in Drogheda last month. I had the opportunity to attend this conference with Minister Pat Carey, T.D, were we recognised that there is still a clear need for government policies to address poverty and exclusion in rural areas, and in these austere times a need to work collectively on this island to develop new ideas and directions that will ensure a better quality of life for rural communities.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSI) was established in 1995 to work for social and economic change tackling poverty and social exclusion. It consists of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Vincentian Congregation, The Daughters of Charity and the Sisters of the Holy Faith.

2. The All Ireland Conference on Combating Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion was held in the Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda on 21st October 2010. The conference comprised of approximately 240 attendees. Ministers Gildernew and Carey provided the keynote speeches.

3. Media enquiries to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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