A survey into single older men in Dingle, Co Kerry, has identified severe isolation and feelings of despair, depression and thoughts of suicide as among the problems resulting from feelings of exclusion.
There were 440 single men (out of a population of about 9,000) over the age of 45 living on the peninsula. Of these, a sample of 80 men, including some younger men, were interviewed at length.
Lack of transport, poor housing and the changing employment and social structure had contributed to the feelings of low self-esteem and exclusion, the survey found.
The pub was the main point of social contact, even for those 15 per cent who recognised they had a drink problem. Most lived alone, about half had their own houses, but a fifth of the men lived in mobile homes or hostels.
The summary report on The Needs of Single Men Living on the Dingle Peninsula: Singular Responses is the result of a year's collaboration between members of local community groups Comhar Dhuibhne, Dochas Dingle Men's Action Group and Nexus Research personnel, who provided training for the survey.
At the publication of the report in the town yesterday, Mr John Redican, one of the surveyors and initiators of the project, said the social structure was changing, and Dingle men felt left out.
Social outlets such as the small local creamery were simply not there any more, public transport was limited to two public buses a week, some villages had no public transport whatsoever and most could not afford a car. Fishing was also in decline.
Many of the men lived in mobile homes because of the high cost of housing and almost no housing provision for single people in rural areas. Few regularly attended meetings, sporting events or church, mainly because of money and transport problems.
Fewer than half visited neighbours regularly - the days of the rambling house were over, surveyors found. Some 23 per cent reported depression or suicidal feelings and some had attempted suicide.