Voices from Rural Ireland – Insights from the Youth of Strokestown
Welcome to the ACORN Podcast, where we unite diverse groups shaping the future of rural development. In today's episode, we dive into the lives of students from the Strokestown Rural Group in Ireland, offering a glimpse into their unique experiences and challenges growing up in a rural area.
Meet the Students
Olivia, 16, shares her daily routine and the pressures being a young person in a rural area. Despite living just five minutes from school, safety concerns on the roads mean she spends an hour on the bus each way. Her day is long, starting early and ending with supervised study sessions, highlighting the dedication required in an exam year.
Roisin, 20 and Amy, 18, share similar experiences. Emily, 17, rounds out the group. These students, though at different stages of their education, share common themes in their rural upbringing.
The Benefits of Rural Living
Living in a rural area has its perks. Olivia enjoys the vast open spaces, peace, and quiet of the countryside. She fondly recalls childhood days spent exploring fields with her siblings, a freedom and safety that allowed them to roam and play without worry. This sentiment is echoed by others, who appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity of rural life.
Roisin highlights the lack of traffic and the beautiful landscapes, while Amy enjoys the proximity to nature and the experience of farm life. Emily finds joy in the simplicity and calmness, though she notes it can be both a blessing and a curse.
Challenges of Rural Life
However, rural living isn't without its drawbacks. The students discuss the disadvantages, such as the lack of nearby amenities and public transport. Olivia points out that being far from shops and social activities can be isolating, especially when public transport is unreliable. Roisin and Amy add that living far from friends requires parental assistance for social visits, which isn't always convenient.
Emily mentions the lack of local businesses, which forces residents to travel to nearby towns for necessities. This lack of infrastructure extends to healthcare, where accessing medical services often means long travel times to larger towns, as Olivia notes the closest hospital that can cater to their needs is over an hour away.
Dreams of Improvement
When asked what they would change about their rural area, the group unanimously pointed to better public transport and more local amenities. Improved roads and reliable buses would greatly enhance their quality of life, making it easier to access education, healthcare, and social opportunities. They also wish for more shops and entertainment options to make rural living more vibrant and convenient.
Final Thoughts
The episode closes with the students expressing their hopes for better infrastructure and amenities in their rural community. The lack of reliable transport and local services are significant hurdles, but the students remain resilient and hopeful for change.
Thank you for tuning into this episode of the ACORN Podcast. For more information about our youth service, visit Roscommon LEADER Partnership or follow us on social media.
Stay connected with the ACORN project on TikTok and Twitter at @acornprojecteu.
Until next time, let's continue to amplify the voices of our rural youth and work towards a brighter future for rural communities everywhere.
