IRISH Centre for Rural Transformation and Sustainability (ICERTS)

Ruth Pritchard

Doctoral Fellow ICERTS

Department of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway.

Dr. Joe Higgins Room, First Floor

r.pritchard1nuigalway.ie 

Project Title

Negotiating development; rural communities and new forms of governance in Ireland.

Research supervisors: Professor Chris Curtin and Dr Tony Varley

Project Abstract

Following the establishment of new forms of participatory democracy in rural areas, rural communities now operate within a complex governance environment. This thesis will examine how changing leadership roles in rural areas have impacted on how these communities negotiate to achieve their goals. It will answer the core question: How do rural communities now interact to ’get things done’ in terms of community develoment? Applying a case study research model, the study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the affect of new forms of participatory governance on rural communities engaged in community development endeavours. 

Other information

Ruth Pritchard completed a B.A. (Hons.) in French and Russian in 1992 and subsequently worked on overseas development in Russia, before returning to Ireland to complete an M.Sc. in Rural Development in 1996. She has worked extensively on rural development issues, including as an independent researcher since 2007. In addition to her thesis topic, she is also interested in issues of sustainable local governance and outdoor recreation management. 

Recent publications:

Pritchard, R., McNamara, L., Hickie, D. and A. Markey (2009), Development of the Co. Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Main Report, Wicklow County Council, Wicklow.

Pritchard, R. and Sheehan, E. (2008), The Case for a New Community Centre in Arklow, Arklow Community Enterprise, Wicklow.

Pritchard, R., and Sheehan, E. (2007), The Use and Development Needs of Community Hall/Centres in Rural Co. Wicklow, Main Report, Wicklow Rural Partnership and County Council, Wicklow.

Funding Source

PRTLI4 Doctoral Fellowships

For more details see Ruth Pritchard