Rural population and employment levels have increased, but many rural areas remain highly vulnerable to a declining farming sector and to a downturn in the economy, according to a new survey.
The nationwide survey of 1,250 households, published by the National University of Ireland, found that farming remained the main source of income in rural areas, accounting for 30 per cent of all jobs.
Construction is the second-most important employment source, absorbing 12 per cent of the rural workforce; followed by manufacturing at 7 per cent; and healthcare at 6 per cent. The remaining 45 per cent of rural workers are employed in a diverse range of services, including public services.
The survey also found many rural residents are now simply using their homes as a place to sleep, while over 40 per cent of non-farm households play no part in any community, voluntary or sporting organisations and have little or no contact with their neighbours.
Prof Jim Phelan of UCD said that in spite of the priority and incentives for rural development over the past 15 years, the level of entrepreneurship and diversification is disappointing.
"The abundant job opportunities, especially in construction, and the acceptance of commuting seems to have stifled some of the innovation among farm families and rural dwellers generally," he said.
"Future rural development policy must be targeted towards selected areas of enterprise and employment rather than the broad brush approach that has operated up to now," he said.
One of the more positive findings was that almost half of all young rural dwellers have third level qualifications, he added.
But Prof Phelan warned: "Unless new employment opportunities are created, these young people will be forced to migrate to the large urban centres."