McCormack urges support for rural services to tackle isolation and depopulation

Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack has called on the Government to take urgent, coordinated action to support rural communities, with a particular focus on protecting vital local services such as post offices, shops and pubs, which he described as the social glue of rural life.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Offaly TD raised concerns about both the growing isolation among older residents and the ongoing loss of young people from rural Offaly.

“We are educating our children to live elsewhere. We give them the tools and the ambition, but not the local opportunities they need to stay and build their lives in the communities they come from. That’s something we have to change," Deputy McCormack said.

He also highlighted the importance of rural services — not just in terms of economy, but community wellbeing.

“The closure of local post offices, shops, and pubs has had a profound effect. These weren’t just places of business — they were daily touchpoints for older people. Places to talk, to be seen, to feel part of something," the Deputy added.

McCormack argued that these losses are fuelling rural isolation, which he described as a “quiet but growing public health issue.”

He wholeheartedly welcomed the Minister’s positive response, particularly his recognition of the problem and willingness to explore solutions. However, Deputy McCormack urged the Government to now go a step further.

“Words are welcome, but what we need now is action. We need targeted supports to keep these services open. Could we look at incentivising rural shops and post offices that act as social hubs? Could we offer grants, tax breaks, or community partnership models that make it viable for them to keep going?," Deputy McCormack said.

He emphasised that there is no single solution.

“There’s no silver bullet. This has to be a joined-up effort across Government. We need Housing, Transport, Enterprise, and Agriculture working together with Rural and Community Development to tackle the bigger picture — and that starts on the ground with real support for the services people rely on," the Deputy said.

McCormack reaffirmed his commitment to rural communities.

“Rural Offaly and rural Ireland are rich in potential — but we need to back them with policies that protect what’s already there. If we lose the small things — the shop, the post office, the corner pub — we lose the heartbeat of rural life," the Deputy concluded.