'Chatty benches' mooted for Kildare - News - Kildare Nationalist

Some counties have implemented an initative to combat loneliness

Research conducted by the European’s Commission’s Joint Research Centre in 2022 found Ireland to be the loneliest country in the EU, with 20 per cent of Irish people reporting feeling lonely most or all of the time

Caoimhin Treacy A NEW initiative designed to combat loneliness, known as “chatty benches”, could be on the way for Naas and surrounding areas after a local councillor proposed such measures.

At the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District (MD), cllr Ger Dunne proposed that the council considers installing these benches in the “parks, lakes area, canal and popular walkways” within the Naas MD.

Acting senior parks and landscaping officer Simon Wallace responded that the local authority currently has no plans to install chatty benches. However, the council added that “a trial location and bench will be considered for next year’s work programme”.

Speaking at the meeting, cllr Dunne said that Ireland has the highest prevalence of loneliness in Europe. Research conducted by the European’s Commission’s Joint Research Centre in 2022 found Ireland to be the loneliest country in the EU, with 20 per cent of Irish people reporting feeling lonely most or all of the time. This was significantly higher than the EU average of 13 per cent.

Cllr Carmel Kelly seconded the motion, describing it as “a great idea”.

Cllr Dunne also responded to a point made by the council executive regarding a lack of resources, arguing that the benches would be low-cost, only involving a fresh coat of paint and signage to distinguish them from regular benches.

Chatty benches have been implemented in Northern Ireland and parts of Britain in recent years. It emerged in October of last year that similar benches would be trialled in Malahide after cllr Cathal Haughey had a motion passed. He said: “A few local authorities in the north of Ireland have introduced these chatty benches where there’s some sort of sign to let people know you want to have a chat with someone – and it’s worked really well”.