Minister touts €2 million development fund

Eighteen rural towns and villages to benefit

Ann Phelan, Minister of State, wants towns to build capabilities to realise their potential Picture: Maura Hickey

Minister of State for Rural Affairs Ann Phelan has told communities they cannot rely on IDA factories being delivered to secure their future.

She said that the government was setting up a new €2 million fund to boost development in 18 rural towns and villages.

But in an interview with The Sunday Business Post, she said it was the communities which were developing their own plans who had the best prospect of success.