Is rural Ireland dying? Or are parts of the country being written off without just cause? A panel of contributors joined Sean O'Rourke this morning to discuss the health of rural Ireland.
Reporter Brian O'Connell travelled to Ballineen and Enniskean in West Cork where he spoke with locals who have come together in the wake of the closure of the Ballineen post office. He painted a mixed picture of the town.
"There are jobs locally. They have emerged from recession. But the main streets are full of For Sale signs."
Brian told Sean that despite West Cork's prominence as a tourist destination, there is a "sense of decline" in these two villages. But is it representative? He took a drive through Ballineen with retired secondary school teacher, Margaret O'Donovan. She pointed out the many derelict buildings, where families once lived.
"There's a need really for some sort of regeneration and planning."
Listen back to the full discussion, featuring Irish Times writer Stephen Collins and Independent Kerry TD, Michael Healy Rae, here.