Loneliness is a hidden, but very real, problem in rural Ireland, and the Greens are ready to tackle this head on. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation is leading to anxiety, stress, and physical health concerns.
I’m very aware of loneliness from meeting with people across the county. I am committed to tackling rural loneliness head on, through a suite of measures outlined in our manifesto. Working to identify best practices and necessary legislative changes, we will implement these through an Action Plan on Loneliness.
I want to particularly commend Macra for their ‘Make the Moove’ initiative, and there are other groups like Grow Remote working to build social connections for remote workers and Alone, and other local organisations working specifically with our older people. Our many wonderful Meals on Wheels services also do vital work.
I am committed to supporting and expanding the efforts: The Greens, the only party to directly address loneliness in our manifesto, will increase investment in vibrant communities through sports clubs, choirs, voluntary work, and education, and continue to expand public transport, especially in rural areas.
We will deliver a remote working hub and a playground in every village and town where there is demand and a school bus ticket to every primary school child living at least 1km from their school, and every secondary school child living at least 2km from their school. We will scale up community gardens, social farming and social prescribing and invest in the training, recruitment and retention of mental health professionals.
We will recognise loneliness as a reason for home help, and focus on the groups most affected by loneliness – the young and the elderly – by supporting mental health teams working with these groups.
Rural life has unique challenges, and I am committed to addressing barriers to mental healthcare among farmers and rural residents, building on research and excellent initiatives already underway.