Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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251. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the actions he continues to take to address the issue of rural isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46428/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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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 that will significantly contribute 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. The 2018 spend on the Scheme is expected to be in the region of €6 million. The Scheme had a total of 33,217 participants as of 31 July 2018.

- Continued support for community crime prevention through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Text Alert. 

- 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.  I recently approved funding of €500,000 for Men's Sheds across the country under the Community Enhancement Programme.

- 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.

- Expansion of the Local Link rural transport services, with a funding allocation of €14.9 million for  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 by progressing the measures contained in the Action Plan for Rural Development in collaboration with my Government colleagues.