INSPIRE Interreg Europe project updates were recently shared at the 3^rd Regional Stakeholder Meeting, held online with representatives from local government, statutory agencies, social partners, and the community and voluntary sectors from across the Ballyhoura region.

Discussions highlighted the importance of the Smart Villages rationale and digitisation for the sustainable development of rural areas.

Participants welcomed learnings to date from Knowledge Exchange, Study Visits and Examples of Good Practice arising from Interregional study visits. The recent partners' meeting in the Cantabrian region of Northern Spain provided unique and innovative digital responses within the agricultural sector.

Stakeholders recognised a number of opportunities for further linkages to support smart development of agricultural and local community sector in the Ballyhoura area. Huge benefits can be derived through sharing of knowledge and experiences with our European partners. Creating transregional/ transnational opportunities for learning, work experience and practice continues to be very beneficial to our communities in the Ballyhoura Region.

Ballyhoura Development were delighted to share the official validation of its Good Practice submission - "Community-Led Participative Planning - Smart Development of rural areas" and its subsequent publication through Interreg Europe.

As the INSPIRE  project progresses, stakeholders are committed to progressing towards a digitally inclusive and resilient rural Europe through the mechanism of Policy Instrument change leading to communities empowered by digital solutions supporting sustainable growth and reducing the urban-rural divide.

To find out more, visit the INSPIRE Project website below:

INSPIRE Project Website

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For any further information about the INSPIRE Project, please contact Nichola Grufferty at [email protected].