Planting seeds for prosperous communities

Muintir na Tíre, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of its foundation by John Canon Hayes, has played a pivotal role in the formation of modern Ireland.
Its community development process of providing the building blocks for communities is as relevant today as it was in 1937. It is based on its ethos of “muintireas” or neighbourliness where communities work together for the common good.
“Muintir na Tíre is most concerned at the alarming increase in suicide in Ireland and there is scarcely a home that is not affected in some way or other. we understand that countless people are caught in a financial trap as a result of the economic downturn. There are people in serious debt and fearful that their homes will be repossessed, financial institutions and others must and can be more understanding of the times that we are now living in,” said national president John Hogan.
“This is just one of the many challenges facing many people at this time. Communication on all sides are critical for it is in discussing our problems with relevant people and/or a trusted friend that in sharing the problem, a solution to a problem can be found. The greatest danger in times like this is that a person can become depressed and think negatively. It is important that communities through Ireland be vigilant to the signs of depression and actively encourage engagement in conversation with our neighbours,” he added.
Today Muintir na Tíre is most active through its community council structure and community alert programme, operating in partnership with the gardaí, which gives it an input into most communities throughout Ireland. This is evident in the many excellent facilities that have been developed over the years such as halls, community crèches and sports facilities. The community alert programme has in excess of 1,400 community groups, each of which has an assigned garda liaison officer, and they are providing invaluable assistance to older and vulnerable people in rural Ireland.
Muintir na Tíre has continually embraced change in society and this is evident today as it participates in many programmes, both nationally and within the EU. Recently it has embarked on an intensive community information programme with RTÉ
to raise awareness of the impending switch over from analogue to digital TV and the Saorveiw service.
Muintir na Tíre has recently announced the launch of the Home Care Safety Audit programme whereby persons will be trained in the necessary skills to ensure that older people will and can remain in their homes for as long as practicable, therefore reducing the dependence on the scarce resources within the health sector. In a recently published report by Dr Kieran Walsh of NUIG, Social Exclusion and Ageing in Diverse Rural Communities, research calls for more innovative ways to support local areas to assist and engage older people in rural society and presents recommendations in order to assist in this task and to reduce the potential for older people being excluded in rural communities.
“Muintir na Tíre is confident that this programme and the many other activities it is involved in will continue to enhance the lives of those living in rural Ireland. Our celebrations of the 75th anniversary will be marked with a number of special events throughout Ireland in 2012, Mr Hogan said.