Fianna Fáil has lashed out at the Government's €30m rural renewal scheme as 'insulting' and a 'poor election gimmick'.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny launched the strategy at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois this morning.
It will see funds channeled through local councils to help towns and villages hit by the recession.
Opposition figures say it is an attempt to save rural seats, after a new poll showed 0% of farmers intend to vote for Labour.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is the focal point of the Government plans at the National Ploughing Championships.
It will see €30m in funding pumped through local authorities to help areas yet to fully recover from the downturn.
But even Mr Kenny admits it will not solve rural Ireland's problems on its own.
Fianna Fáil environment spokesperson Barry Cowen says it is a paltry sum - and says it could be an attempt to save rural seats, like Rural Affairs Minister Ann Phelan's in Carlow/Kilkenny.
And Tánaiste Joan Burton says the poll numbers are a matter for her deputy leader.
