Bernard Durkan
Ceist:457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the action he has taken to address issues of rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38874/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 September 2018
Ceisteanna (457)
Freagraí scríofa
The response to the issue of rural isolation is delivered across a number of Government Departments and organisations. The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development includes a range of measures which will contribute significantly to addressing isolation and social inclusion in rural areas. Specific examples of actions in the Plan which will help those who feel isolated or vulnerable in rural areas include:
- Significant investment in the Seniors Alert Scheme, which facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people living alone. During 2017, spend on the Scheme amounted to €2.7 million, with over 12,600 applications approved and more than 10,000 installations completed. To the end of August 2018, almost 13,000 applications were approved, with in excess of 14,500 installations completed. Spend on this demand-led scheme to date in 2018 has been almost €5.4 million.
- Investment of €46 million in Garda fleet to ensure that Gardaí are mobile, visible and responsive to prevent and tackle crime.
- Support for 450 Men’s Sheds across rural Ireland which provide a safe space where men can gather and participate in their communities, develop social networks and potentially gain new skills and access information. In July I provided funding of €500,000 to support the work of Men’s Sheds throughout Ireland.
- Maintaining the network of senior helplines in operation throughout the country, which offer a listening service for older people to help address issues such as loneliness and isolation in rural areas.
- Continued support and prioritisation of community crime prevention through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Text Alert.
- Funding allocation of €14.9 million for Local Link rural transport services in 2018. Local Link facilitated 1.9 million passenger journeys last year, providing a vital service for rural communities.
The issue of isolation, whether in urban or rural areas, is one which should concern us all and I am committed to continuing my Department’s response to this issue through programmes such as Seniors Alert and progressing the measures contained in the Action Plan for Rural Development in collaboration with my Government colleagues.
Question No. 458 answered with Question No. 456.
Question No. 459 answered with Question No. 455.