Concerns raised at district meeting over growing rural isolation among men in Tipperary

Concerns about increasing loneliness and social isolation, particularly among men in rural areas, were raised at this month’s meeting of Nenagh Municipal District.

During a presentation on Healthy Ireland initiatives in the district, several councillors spoke about the difficulty of engaging men who have become disconnected from community life, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Michael O’Meara said isolation among single men in rural communities was becoming more visible.

“In rural areas, particularly since Covid, there are a lot of single men who find it harder to reach back into society,” he said.

“You see it locally, men who might once have been involved in clubs or organisations are no longer participating.”

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The councillor pointed to anecdotal examples of men who may still attend a local café for a cup of tea but are no longer engaged in wider community life.

“It’s about trying to connect them back with society,” Cllr O’Meara said. “Loneliness and isolation are huge issues in rural Ireland.”

Other members echoed the concern, noting that while sports clubs and community groups remain strong in towns like Nenagh, Newport and Ballina, reaching harder-to-engage groups continues to be a challenge.

Healthy Ireland funding of approximately €75,000 annually supports targeted initiatives across the district, including walking football, inclusive swimming, social engagement activities and programmes delivered through Men’s Sheds.

Officials acknowledged that engaging men can be particularly challenging.

“We find men-only activities work best,” the meeting heard, with initiatives often delivered directly through existing groups such as Men’s Sheds rather than expecting participants to attend new standalone programmes.

Members also questioned how minority groups and harder-to-reach communities are identified and engaged, suggesting greater collaboration with organisations already embedded in local communities.

While welcoming the work underway, councillors agreed that rural isolation remains a pressing issue that will require sustained and targeted intervention.