Annual Conference 2014
Rural Learning
Míchael Ó Muircheartaigh
Prof. Ciarán Ó Catháin – President Athlone IT
Alice McDonnell – Le Chéile
Billy Murphy Chairperson – Irish Rural Link
Dr. Maura Farrell – NUIG
Swedish Rural Parliament
Friday 9th
Moate Business Park
Moate
Co. Westmeath
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Rural learning
May
Access to education and skills training
The sustainability of rural communities has never been more under threat than it is now. Since
the crisis began, communities have seen the widespread closure of services, schools, garda
stations, and the consequence loss of jobs. It is now recognised that rural areas will need to hold
on to its youth and in doing that it will need to provide jobs. One of the key cornerstones to job
creation will be the quality and availability of opportunities to re-skill, re-train and acquire the
The 2014 Irish Rural Link annual Conference will seek to explore ways and means to achieve
such aims. The conference will hear of the latest thinking of the education providers and will
capacity to develop businesses that will create jobs.
also hear from people who have gained as a result of further training.
Conference starts at 9.30am – 1.30pm
• Followed by IRL AGM & Lunch with presentation to IRL Rural Awards Winners
• Short tour to Clara Bog Visitors Centre
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd 