That's not the same thing as a few more software developers living full time in the town, in fairness. More remote workers would be akin to having a few extra G

That's not the same thing as a few more software developers living full time in the town, in fairness. More remote workers would be akin to having a few extra GPs or solicitors around the place, doing local-person stuff like going to the pub or buying groceries and school uniforms for their kids. I do sympathise with your cousins though. The few Irish-speaking regions left in the country are constantly facing similar challenges.