Labour City Councillor Niall Mc Nelis, has urgently called upon the Government to take decisive action and empower our Local Authorities to combat the staggering loneliness epidemic in our communities.
He said that recent findings from the European Parliament have identified Ireland as the loneliest country in Europe, highlighting the pressing need for immediate intervention.
“The prevalence of loneliness is a multifaceted crisis affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From older citizens to young teenagers, the ramifications of social isolation and disconnectedness are far-reaching. Government needs to recognise the severity of this issue and equip Local Authorities with the necessary tools and resources to effectively tackle loneliness at its core,” he added.
Cllr McNelis said that Government has regrettably overlooked the request from the Loneliness Taskforce measures in Budget 2024. “This omission undermines the critical steps needed to address and mitigate the loneliness epidemic affecting our communities.
“We need to foster inclusive and accessible community spaces as a fundamental strategy in the fight against loneliness. Parks, playgrounds, libraries, and communal gathering places serve as vital hubs for social interaction, fostering connections, and creating a sense of belonging within our neighbourhoods. Empowering local authorities to develop and maintain such spaces is imperative in mitigating the growing sense of isolation experienced by many.
“The time for action is now. The Government must prioritise the allocation of resources and funding towards initiatives aimed at combating loneliness. Ignoring the pressing need for intervention only perpetuates the detrimental impact of social isolation on the mental and emotional well-being of our citizens,” he concluded.
