THE VINTNERS’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has called for a debate on rural isolation.
Recent comments made by Kerry coroner Terence Casey on the subject of rural isolation and suicide and its link to stricter drink-driving laws, follow similar statements by several other coroners, including those in the midlands and border regions, as well as Donegal coroners Dr Denis McCauley and Dr John Madden.
Mr Casey has highlighted the link between stricter drink-driving legislation leading to rural isolation and then suicide in his area, which saw 11 deaths of this nature in 2011.
This is especially relevant to older males in rural areas.
The VFI firmly believes that the recent further reduction in drink-driving limits from 80mg to 50mg/100ml has had an enormous and devastating psychological impact on those living in rural communities.
Those who once went to the local pub for one or two drinks and social interaction no longer feel they can do so, and this is compounded by the complete absence of any rural transport.
VFI president Gerry Mellett, himself a rural publican based in Ardattin, Co Carlow, agreed.
“Older men living on their own, in particular in rural Ireland, are like prisoners in their homes. I am not saying the pub is their only social outlet but, for many, it is a vital one,” said Mr Mellett.
“The impact of these drink-driving rules has been to rip the heart out of rural Ireland and, as more pubs close every day, this will only get worse. We are not in favour of drink-driving and we feel this stricter legislation will only lead to fear and more rural isolation,” said Mr Mellett.
While the VFI does not advocate drink-driving and is in favour of measures which will reduce road carnage, it is now calling for assistance from the government to help put an end to rural isolation.
It is the belief of the VFI that certain measures will help with this ever-increasing problem in rural Ireland.
The VFI represents 4,500 pubs outside Dublin.