Loneliness, social isolation and the war in the middle East. Everything is connected. We are all inter-dependent and I always think of Edward Norton Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” or Chaos Theory. A small action like a butterfly flapping its wings in one place can cause massive eruptions in another part of the world. If a butterfly can have an impact, how much more could a Middle Eastern war disrupt our lives?
We must all come to terms with the fossil fuel crisis and the pump price hikes and look to ways to reshape our lives in the future. This crisis is focussing us all on renewable, sustainable energies and away from our reliance on oil. We need to quickly switch to new energy sources.
Last week I went to Mullinavat for a packed community meeting regarding the proposed withdrawal of Expressway Bus Route 4: Waterford to Dublin Airport via Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Thomastown, Gowran, Royal Oak, Leighlinbridge, Bagnelstown ,Carlow.
There had been rumours of this back in January according to one participant. Apparently, it is an uneconomic service. As I pointed out at the Mullinavat meeting: the decision to pull this route was made months ago before Trump kicked off and surely with the ever-increasing price of fuel, NOW is the time to embrace a fully functioning public bus service. Sustainable rural transport is crucial right now, for so many reasons.
For many people, this route it is an essential lifeline beyond their rural communities; and it was sobering and impactful to hear from so many individuals just how much their lives depend on Expressway Bus No.4. Stories were told of the potential disruption to education by students travelling to colleges in Waterford or Carlow; for others, Expressway Bus 4 is essential for getting to work, school, hospital, the airport, for social outings and recreational activities. A man who goes to the Thomastown Men’s Shed twice a week relies on this bus to connect with others socially. A 16-year-old expressed concern that if the service is discontinued, she will be stuck in Mullinavat on weekends with no way to visit friends. Powerful stories indeed!
- McHugh PhD (Maynooth) and Christopher Swader PhD (Lund) in a research paper for The European Commissions Joint Research Centre Feb 2025; concluded that Ireland has highest levels of loneliness of all European countries. They cite many factors that are responsible for their findings including : aging, migration and social infrastructure.
“With respect to rurality, improving transport and opportunities for social connection in rural areas would alleviate loneliness associated with rurality. Given the high proportion of Irish people living rurally and in low density areas, it is worth considering the role of geography in loneliness and how best to mitigate it. Transport is critical for those living in low density rural areas to remain physically connected and to ensure social connectedness.”
Unsurprisingly, their research investigates loneliness as a major public health issue and a risk factor for higher rates of all -cause early mortality, functional decline, cardiovascular issues, depression, suicidality, stress and poor sleep.
To quote Hildegard Naughton, “Loneliness and isolation affect all people of all ages and from all walks of life. The negative effect on physical and mental health issues cannot be under-estimated.
Ireland had a loneliness problem before the Middle East war; (exacerbated by Covid,) and it will be increased by reduction in rural transport lifelines.
Is a new Cork to Limerick motorway starting in 2027 estimated cost of €1 billion plus really necessary given the world situation? Surely governments need to invest in the most efficient sustainable, public, transport links?
Building healthy communities requires meeting the needs of all individuals and focusing on broad goals that prioritise both mental and physical well-being. By making smart investments at the grassroots level, future expenses for health, education and social services can be reduced, while also encouraging young people to stay in their communities and preventing the loss of talent to other countries.
At every level—mind, body, and spirit—connection and well-being are fundamental needs for everyone and physical transport connectivity: Expressway Bus Route 4 is an essential part of life here in the S.E.
Every single decision we make has consequences. Every decision we have ever made leads us to our present reality. Major decisions shouldn’t be made hastily since they impact many areas of our lives and are hard to undo if outcomes are negative.
Please write to: National Transport Authority, Haymarket House, Smithfield, Dublin 4 re why this is such an important issue.
