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.

With the closure of garda stations, a community garda has been appointed in some areas. To build on the success of that scheme, I would suggest — that if a garda and his family are prepared to set up home in a rural area, the planning laws be relaxed to allow them do so which, thankfully, has been approved in some areas. I appeal to the incoming government to immediately set in motion the implementation of planning policies that will ignite life and light in rural communities.

Cllr Noel Collins

Midleton

Co Cork