Kerry County Council is to engage with central government on the possible establishment of a rural depopulation task force.
The proposal was raised by Councillor Tommy Cahill, who called for dedicated task forces to address depopulation in Iveragh, South Kerry and other affected rural areas.
Cllr Cahill told the recent full council meeting that severe demographic challenges are hollowing out rural communities.
He said pressure on GAA clubs is a clear indication of depopulation, with four or five clubs in parts of South Kerry having to join together simply to field an underage team, and with once-thriving clubs amalgamating to survive.
Cllr Cahill said GAA clubs are the heartbeat of rural parishes, and when they weaken, it points to a deeper, fundamental problem.
He said an overly restrictive planning system is a major driver of depopulation, claiming that young people born and raised in rural Kerry are unable to build homes, even where there is a clear local need and strong community ties.
He said this is forcing many to leave the county, and in some cases the country.
Cllr Cahill also said a lack of basic services, including water and wastewater infrastructure, is preventing housing development, limiting business expansion and holding back community growth.
Councillor Dan McCarthy supported the motion, saying more jobs are needed in South Kerry, along with more third-level education in the area.
The council's Chief Executive, Fearghal Reidy, said the local authority has previously met with the GAA’s National Demographics Committee and is interested in working further with the organisation.
He said the council would also be willing to engage with the Department of Rural and Community Development, if the minister decides to use Kerry as a pilot project in its rural development strategy, Our Rural Future.
