Rural Conversation Report and Podcast No. 3: 'Building vibrant and sustainable communities in rural Ireland'

Dr Willie Donnelly, President, WIT (timecode—1:18) welcomed the delegates and opened the event. Professor Áine Hyland, MRIA spoke on behalf of the Royal Irish Academy's Social Sciences Committee, outlining the background to the series and making some observations on the theme of rural communities (timecode—5:33). Mr William Parnell, Assistant Secretary General spoke on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development (timecode—10:01). Dr Felicity Kelliher, WIT, member of RIA Social Sciences Committee (timecode—16:20) gave an introductory presentation of the topic in advance of facilitating the two questions below. All of the stakeholder roundtables considered, discussed and fed back their suggestions on:

• What are the characteristics of vibrant and sustainable rural communities in Ireland? (timecode—26:42)
• What policy actions need to be taken to ensure that rural communities are resilient, vibrant and inclusive, and better equipped for the challenges of the future? (timecode—46:30)
• In conclusion, Felicity Kelliher summarised the stakeholders’ feedback (timecode—1:17:25)

View the photo gallery of the event below