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Comparing Rural Development Sstrategies in Four Irish Communities, 1930-2005

Blue Paper Abstract

Comparing Rural Development Sstrategies in Four Irish Communities, 1930-2005, explores rural explores rural change as a process of adaption. The study asks four orienting policy questions about rural change in Ireland. First, are some rural development strategies better than others for facilitating 'vibrant sustainable communities'? Second, can service-sector industries such as tourism effectively help rural communities diversify local economies that have traditionally relied on primary industries such as agriculture or mining? Third, what is the role of the state in helping rural communities weather the uncertainties of a rapidly globalising economy? Finally, how can rural Irish communities leverage local initiative with a strong system of state support to create sustainable local economies and strong community identities?

About the Authors

Walter F. Kuentzel is an associate professor in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Since completing his PhD from the Department of Rural Sociology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, he has focused his research on rural change, rural tourism development, and natural resource management. He is a former Visiting Research Fellow at the Policy Institute, Trinity College Dublin.

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Last updated 27 November 2012 policy.institute@tcd.ie .