Access to key local services such as public transport, childcare, broadband and medical and educational facilities are vital to the creation of vibrant and sustainable rural Irish communities, according to a strategy document published yesterday.
The three-year plan drawn up by the rural communities lobby group Irish Rural Link (IRL) also highlights less volunteerism within community groups, the "invisibility" of rural disadvantage when compared with urban areas, mental health issues due to isolation, and the narrow economic base of many rural areas.
The document says the "ongoing and substantive" restructuring of agriculture is leading to a restructuring of the economic and employment base in rural areas.
Similarly, the closure of shops, schools, banks, post offices and Garda stations has often led to a decline in local services.
"It is clear that significant disparities exist between different parts of the country," it states.
"The implementation of the National Spatial Strategy clearly has an important role in this regard in its designation of gateways and hubs for development.
"There is also outside these locations a need to consider how the needs of other locations can and will be addressed."
Irish Rural Link is a non-profit organisation formed in 1991. It has a membership of 300 community and rural interest groups around the country. It aims to influence local, regional, national and European policies in favour of rural communities.
Yesterday's launch of the strategic plan for 2007-2009, attended by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, marks the culmination of intensive consultation with interested parties on the subject.
Mr Ó Cuív said that a proposed pilot late-night bus service for rural areas would be funded by his department at an initial cost of €500,000, and would be based on the needs of the community following consultations.
He said that it would not simply apply to transport to and from pubs, but could also cover travel to Mass, bingo and youth clubs.