Kildare 2012 - An Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy
A Vision for Agriculture, Farming and Rural Development in 2012
By 2012, Kildare will be a county in which farming is a sustainable, profitable sector of the economy. Revitalised agriculture and new alternative rural enterprises will result in revitalised rural communities which are safe, integrated, and inclusive and where respect for the environment is key.
Developing a profitable Agricultural Sector
Farming
is an industry experiencing huge change both nationally and
in Kildare. Statistics for the county show that agriculture,
forestry and fishing accounted for only 7% of the total at
work in 1996. The Kildare Farming 2000 report stated that
less than one-quarter of farmers surveyed had identified a
successor and almost half of those surveyed expected their
successor to farm part-time.
Farming activities tend to be concentrated in the northwest and south of the county. While the large farms, concentrated in the south, are the most likely to remain commercially viable on a full time basis, those in the northwest are likely to make a further shift towards part-time farming. Well known for its bloodstock industry, County Kildare has the largest concentration of stud farms in the country, with 27% of all horses in training and 16% of all thoroughbred stallions in the country based in Kildare. Ancillary services supporting the equine industry in Kildare are estimated to generate revenue of € 7.3 million into the local economy each year.
Part-time farming, off-farm and alternative enterprises as well as the development of niche markets, in particular horticulture which generates an estimated € 12.7 million each year from the activities of an estimated 35 nurseries in the county, are necessary to enable farming to remain a viable part of the county's economy. Forestry is also an under-exploited activity in Kildare as only 2.5% of the landmass of the county is under forest. In line with this farm families need to be supported in making the transition from full to part time farming. Skills, retraining and alternative employment are crucial.
Goal 1 - To develop a sustainable profitable agricultural sector
In achieving this goal we need to:
- encourage the increase in the size of farm holdings
- work to ensure that successors are identified and retain ownership of farms
- effectively market the county’s agricultural produce through co-ordination of existing organisations
- diversify agricultural activities and develop alternative enterprises, including horticulture
- encourage the development of a young farming population
- facilitate and support farmers in the change from full to part-time farming
Creating Local Employment in Rural Area
Increased part-time farming means that farmers and their families require more opportunities for part-time employment. In order to maintain viable part-time farms,locally created jobs are needed. Local jobs also create more cohesive local communitieswhere people can work where they live. Alternative farming activities can also providenew full and part-time job opportunities for farmers.
Current patterns of employment in the county reflect an urban-rural divide. The more highly skilled and higher earning population in the central to northeast area is employed in professional, services and high-tech industries, while the lower skilled and lower earning population in the south and northwest parts of the county rely on agriculture and traditional industry for employment.
Goal 2 - To create local employment opportunities in rural areas
To achieve this goal, we will:
- facilitate job-creation in rural areas
- encourage part-time employment opportunities locally which enable farmers to continue to maintain a viable farm
Developing Vibrant Rural Communities
Rural communities in Kildare are also undergoing dramatic change. The county is becoming more and more urbanised with over 60% of the population now living in urban areas. Although a number of the smaller towns experienced a decline in population between 1991 and 1996, it is likely that this situation is largely reversed in recent times due to the increasing population in more rural areas of the county. Increasing numbers of urban dwellers and new residents are moving to rural areas changing the dynamics of rural communities.
Specific rural areas and dwellers also experience social exclusion. In particular, the most rural parts of the county have higher than average numbers of older people living alone who are isolated from services and neighbours and certain parts of the south and northwest parts of the county experienced the greatest levels of long term unemployment in 1996.
Goal 3 - To develop vibrant, inclusive rural communities
In working towards this goal, we need to:
- maintain our existing rural communities
- fully integrate new residents into rural life together with a respect for the rural way of life
- recognise and highlight the work of rural women
- encourage social integration, particularly for women
- address the issues facing older people in rural areas
Protecting
our Rural Environment
Together with the decline in agriculture, increasing urbanisation and development spreading into rural areas, pressure on the rural environment is growing. It is becoming increasingly important to protect our natural rural resources in a sustainable way to preserve them for future generations.
Goal 4 - To protect the Environment in Rural Areas
To protect our environment, we will:
- minimise the negative effects of development on the rural environment
- encourage farmers and landowners to act as protectors of the countryside
- encourage participation in the REPS and Nutrient Management Schemes
Improving Access & Services
Rural areas also tend to be disadvantaged in terms of lack of access to services. Childcare, public transport and adequate adaptable facilities for arts, education and community activities are all identified as lacking in rural areas.
The potential closure of rural post offices and banks will also increase the isolation of rural areas. However, a number of developments will improve access to services in rural areas including Kildare County Council's plans to extend services to area offices and the possibility of doubling-up banking and postal services in rural post offices and shops.
However, access to transport and services and rebuilding a sense of community are among the major challenges facing rural Kildare at present.
Goal 5 - To improve Access and Services in Rural Areas
To achieve this goal, we need to:
- improve the provision of services in rural areas
- improve access to services in rural areas
- increase the amount of childcare services and facilities in rural areas
- enable a fuller understanding of the planning system and requirements
