Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:483. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the measures his Department has in places to tackle rural loneliness. [52369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 July 2026
Ceisteanna (483)
Freagraí scríofa
Rural loneliness and social isolation are complex issues that can arise from a range of social, economic, and demographic factors and therefore relate to policy areas across many Departments. My Department works closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that in particular rural and Gaeltacht communities are not left behind in the provision of services. The challenges, particularly for individuals living in remote and disadvantaged communities, include access to transport, addressing disadvantage and tackling social exclusion.
With regard to my own Department, both the 'Our Rural Future' and the 'Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities' policies recognise the importance of addressing loneliness and isolation. The next iteration of both policies will continue to focus on this important area in terms of both rural development and wider community development issues in both rural and urban areas.
There are schemes and programmes operated by my Department which help to address this issue. Of particular importance on capital funding is the Community Centre Investment Fund, LEADER, CLÁR and the Local Enhancement Programme which provides small grants to local community groups. With regard to current supports, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Community Services Programme (CSP), and the Senior Alerts Scheme all help support the engagement of specific groups with their communities. My Department also supports Men's and Women's Sheds, Tidy Towns groups, Agricultural Shows and Public Libraries, all of which help to reduce rural loneliness and social isolation by providing outlets for people to engage with their communities.