Suicide Levels ‘Still A Crisis’

A leading West Clare suicide campaigner says the rate of suicides here remains at crisis level, despite a reduction last year.

2013 saw 14 confirmed suicides in Clare, down from 16 the year before, but the rate at which people are taking their own lives remains higher than the national average, while the vast majority are men.

While not scrutinised in these CSO figures, Miltown Malbay GP and member of the West Clare Taking Care group Dr. Billy O'Connell has said he feels suicide is a particular issue in rural areas.