Rural isolation, community apathy, and dwindling school numbers will come into focus this week on TG4’s popular weekly news show 7 Lá. Journalist and broadcaster Piaras Ó Raghallaigh reports from north Mayo where community groups are struggling to survive in the post Celtic Tiger era as remote communities face the reality of funding cuts, red tape, inadequate services and social exclusion.
This tranquil area incorporating Rossport, Ceathrú Thaidhg, and Glenamoy was catapulted into the national headlines following the arrival of Shell seven years ago, now a community divided, its future is uncertain and unclear.
At the coalface of Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and Seirbhisí Curam Chill Chomáin voluntary workers are digging deep to promote their area and activities. Development manager of Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo Treasa Ní Ghearraigh speaks about the red tape and lack of basic IT facilities in the area. Micheal Ó hEalaithe from Seirbhisí Curam Chill Chomáin speaks about the isolation and loneliness and how the meals on wheels initiative set up last year is now becoming an important social network for those left behind.
Lack of interest in rolling up the sleeves and getting involved in the development groups in the area, high insurance costs, lack of funding, and dilapidated facilities will all be discussed and debated in this special programme on TG4 presented by Paidi O Lionaird.
Community activist Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and others will be joined in studio by journalist and broadcaster Piaras Ó Raghallaigh as they assess the problems, applaud the success stories, and forecast the future.
Catch this special 7 Lá on TG4, Tuesday January 27 at 7.30pm.
