Sir, - Congratulations to Cathal Mac Gabhann (June 5th) on his truly excellent and courageous letter about rural housing/ depopulation. With his permission I will quote it at every public and private opportunity.
When I founded Rural Resettlement Ireland 10 years ago, I expressed my belief that the greatest asset of the West is space - space to live, breathe and rear a family. Almost 450 families (including 900 children) have resettled since then.
RRI is now setting out on a national Voluntary Housing building programme to offer a "package" of a new family in a new house to depopulated rural communities. I know even before we start that the greatest problem we will face will be the deeply entrenched views of those who insist they have the custodial right to plan the future of rural areas and the people who wish to live in them from their overcrowded and highly stressed city offices.
Cathal Mac Gabhann's letter gives me courage to carry on. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Connolly, Chairman, Rural Resettlement Ireland, Kilbaha, Kilrush, Co Clare.