Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Conor D. McGuinness TD, has told the Dáil that rural isolation is having a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older people, and has called for a coordinated, government-wide strategy to respond.
Teachta McGuinness said:
“This is an issue very close to my heart and one I have been considering for some time.
“I had the opportunity to meet with the Irish Postmasters’ Union, the Local Development Companies Network and Local Link recently. One of the key topics raised was the positive impact of local post offices and bus services in helping to counter exclusion and isolation – a challenge facing people right across rural Ireland, but particularly older members of our communities.
“The State must recognise and support the services that are already working to hold communities together.
“This cuts across a number of Departments, but the Minister for Community and Rural Development could show real leadership here.
“I’m talking about a concerted strategy that brings together the post office network, the Local Link transport system, the voluntary and community sector, mental health awareness initiatives, day care centre networks, Meals on Wheels, and men’s and women’s sheds.
“There is incredible work being done at community level. But these groups and services are being asked to do too much with too little. What’s needed is long-term investment, coordination and meaningful state support.
“The challenges we see in my own area are being echoed right across rural Ireland. These aren’t new issues, and the solutions aren’t theoretical. They exist already. But they must be properly resourced and embedded in a national strategy.
“Sinn Féin is calling for serious leadership here. The Government must act with urgency and ambition.
“Rural isolation cannot be treated as an afterthought. Mental health, dignity and social connection must be central to how we plan and support life in rural communities.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 