The major research report, <a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Rural-Restucturing-Study-FinalVersion-1.pdf"><strong><em>Rural Restructuring: Local Sustainable Solutions to the Rural Challenge</em></strong></a> is now available, alongside the accompanying <strong><em><a href="http://dev.iclrd.org/iclrd2/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/iclrd-rural-study-working-paper-series-1.pdf" target="_blank">Working Paper Series</a></em></strong>. The report was launched by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA in association with Andy Pollak, Director, Centre for Cross Border Studies in June 2009. Undertaken by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) with funding by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the report centres on the experiences of three rural communities across the island:
<ul>
	<li>Emyvale-Truagh-Aughnacloy (North Monaghan / South Tyrone border)</li>
	<li>Draperstown (Magherafelt District)</li>
	<li>Duhallow (Northwest Cork / East Kerry).</li>
</ul>
The report details the need for a focused approach to rural development that harnesses local assets and potentiality through joined up collaboration. It advocates for a ‘micro-region’ concept in rural development that moves from a strictly area-based approach within a single jurisdiction to an inter-locality model that (a) can operate across county or district administrative areas and the Border region and (b) recognises that micro-regions are part of, and contribute to, their wider region.
To receive a copy of this report, contact Eimear Donnelly, Events Coordinator at eimear.donnelly@qub.ac.uk or by telephoning (028) 375 11550 (048 from Republic). Alternatively, the pdf of this document – together with the supporting background working papers – will be available for download at end July 2009.