We must act to save rural communities

I COMPLIMENT you on your editorial and report on the rise in suicides among elderly people and the fears expressed by the coroner for Kerry South, Terence Casey.

This makes very sad reading but gives food for thought to all of us to get out and fight for the survival of life in rural parts.

Various government policies have created a great deal of unnecessary fear and anxiety for families in rural areas. The closure of garda stations, post offices, schools, shops, the country pub (now almost extinct), medical centres, curtailment in rural bus services, social and community services and the application of very stringent planning regulations governing rural development are to be deplored.