Rural Conversation Report and Podcast No. 2: 'Enhancing social cohesion among communities in rural Ireland'

This consultative rural stakeholder event was opened by Dr Michael Mulvey, President, DkIT (timecode—0:54) who hosted this event. Professor Áine Hyland, MRIA spoke on behalf of the Royal Irish Academy's Social Sciences Committee, outlining the background to the series (timecode—4:30).  Mr William Parnell, Assistant Secretary General spoke on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development (timecode—6:40). Professor Colette Henry, DkIT (timecode—15:15) gave an introductory presentation of the topic in advance of facilitating the three questions below.  Each of the stakeholder roundtables considered, discussed and fed back their suggestions on enhancing social cohesion among communities in rural Ireland under these three questions:

• What are the key positive and negative factors impacting social cohesion in rural communities? Listen to the feedback on this question at this timecode on the recording—27:14
• Which cohorts within rural communities are most affected by a lack of cohesion among and between community segments (e.g. youth, elderly, new citizens, etc.), and how are they impacted? Listen to the feedback on this question at this timecode on the recording—41:28
• What actions need to be taken in order to enhance cohesion and strengthen social support structures for all rural dwellers? Listen to the feedback on this question at this timecode on the recording—55:55
• In conclusion, Colette Henry summarised the stakeholders’ feedback (timecode—1:06:40)

View the photo gallery of the event below: