Rural communities deserve better, lets tackle Rural Isolation says Leeanne McEvoy
Sinn Féin candidate for The Mournes, Leeanne McEvoy, has said that Rural Communities deserve better and too many people are left isolated.
Commenting on feedback from her canvass around the doors, Leeanne said “ it is clear people in Rural Communities have genuine concerns. These areas need greater investment. Rural isolation, broadband blackspots, lack of community transport are major issues in these communities.
“While we welcome money spent on signature projects in our towns, sometimes the residents from the surrounding villages simply cannot access those facilities.
“Through my work in Care in the Community, I see the impact of rural isolation on a daily basis and I believe that if Council engage more with the outlying villages some of the most immediate difficulties can be overcome.
is calling for improved systems to help the more isolated people get access to leisure facilities etc.
“For example Our Council has some of the most up-to-date leisure facilities across the Island with excellent discounted rates for older people but it is difficult for someone living at the foot of the Mournes get to Downpatrick on Newry on a regular basis.
“Let’s be proactive and tackle Rural Isolation, and let’s build on services such as Community Transport with arrangements that are suitable to rural communities.
“We need to provide people with the opportunity to avail of these facilities, to be able to attend social engagement events on a regular basis, and to go to their local town or village centre and attend a football match, a women’s group or a men’s shed club.”
