The issue of loneliness is recognised by Government as a public health concern with clear links to poorer mental health outcomes, reduced wellbeing and increased risk of social isolation, particularly among older people. Governement are committed to supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for Older People. This is a key priority for Government.
The Government is taking a broad, whole-of-government approach to addressing loneliness and social isolation in recognition of the importance of social connection, community participation and mental wellbeing across the life course.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-implementation-and-monitoring-committee-steering-committee.– A Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020–2030, recommends; improving links between primary care and specialist mental health services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, supports for positive aging and the development of a dedicated mental health promotion plan.
In December 2024, the Department of Health published www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/pathways-to-wellbeing-national-mental-health-promotion-plan. – Ireland’s National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which sets out a comprehensive framework for mental health promotion. A core priority of the Plan is strengthening community belonging and connectedness, addressing loneliness and isolation as key determinants of mental health, including among older people..A Phase 1 Implementation Plan (2026-2027) is due for publication in Q2 2026 and will set out a programme of cross-government actions to progress these objectives.
In parallel, work is underway on the development of a new www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/consultations/healthy-ireland-framework-public-consultation.(2026–2040), which will continue to address the social determinants of health, including loneliness and social isolation, at a population level through coordinated cross-government action.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/campaigns/commission-on-care-for-older-people/.established in Ireland in March 2024, is tasked with examining and improving health and social care services, promoting independent living, and advising on future care models. It focuses on enabling older people to live in their homes longer, with a strong emphasis on community care.
While there is currently no standalone National Loneliness Strategy, the issue is being addressed through these integrated policy frameworks, recognising that loneliness intersects with a range of factors including housing, transport, community development, and health services across the life course. Responsibility for actions in this area is therefore shared across a number of Government Departments and agencies, with the Department of Health playing a key role in overall policy coordination in relation to health and wellbeing.
A wide range of targeted initiatives are being delivered to address loneliness and social isolation, including Men’s Sheds/Sheds for Life, Social prescribing, Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Meals on Wheels and Day Care Services, and Home Support Services.
Older People in our community can avail of a number of community-based supports such as Home Support services, Day Care Services and Meals on Wheels services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.
Overall, the Government’s approach is to embed action on loneliness within broader health, wellbeing and social policy and older persons frameworks, ensuring sustained, cross sectoral impact. The Government will continue to keep the need for further targeted policy responses, including consideration of a standalone National Loneliness Strategy under review in the context of ongoing policy development including any recommendations made by the Commission on Care for Older People and implementation of the frameworks outlined above.
