Friendly voices just a phone call away
As many residents of rural Ireland are all too well aware, basic services such as garda stations, hospitals, post offices and small schools have been closed or are under threat of closure. This is not likely to encourage young families to settle in rural areas and help to redress the loss of so many to emigration.
For many people, the values and culture inherent in rural living is precious and to be cherished. The problems with what is often an independent and self-sufficient lifestyle tend to arise, as people get older and are not so easily able to manage. Then personal security, a lack of public transport and isolation can become major concerns and can seriously affect a hitherto happy way of life. And it is at such junctures in a persons’ life journey that small communities can come into their own. Even if you don’t see your neighbours as often as you used to, you know them and they know you and there is a natural inclination to look out for each other.
