Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
18. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on his Department's efforts to deal with rural isolation and loneliness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLoneliness 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. Issues such as access to transport, economic disadvantage or social exclusion can all contribute to isolation in rural areas. My Department works closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that rural communities in particular are not left behind in the provision of public services.
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 issue which impacts both rural and urban communities.
There are schemes and programmes operated by my Department which directly help to address this issue. Of particular importance with regard to 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, the Community Services Programme, 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 loneliness and social isolation by providing outlets for people to engage with their communities.
Overall, the schemes and programmes in place are helping to provide suitable facilities and to support community groups so that opportunities exist for everyone to engage with their local communities.
