A new study has reportedly predicted a gloomy future for rural Ireland in the next 20 years.
Reports this morning said the research had predicted that business would be even more concentrated in the east and south of the country by 2025, with rural areas lagging further behind.
It also predicts that freer world trade will lead to a major decline in farming, while many foreign-owned companies will move to lower-cost economies.
The study by UCD, NUI Maynooth and Teagasc reportedly recommends the full implementation of the National Spatial Strategy and other measures to spread population and jobs more evenly around the country.