Almost 500 people have attempted suicide at the River Shannon in Limerick city during the past five years, new figures have revealed.
The statistics have been described as an indictment of the country’s mental health system, which was branded “a disaster” by Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín.
A total of 493 incidents were recorded on the Garda PULSE system between 2017 and 2021 involving “person misadventure” at the Shannon in the vicinity of Limerick’s Henry Street and Roxboro.
Read More: Top signs of depression to watch out for and how to help a loved one
The incidents, which involved people entering or attempting to enter the Shannon, also featured sub-categories on the system including “suicide”, “suicide (attempt only)”, “detained under the Mental Health Act”, and “missing person high-risk”.
The data shows that an average of nearly two people every week have tried to enter the Shannon in Limerick with the intention of taking their own lives during the five-year period.
However, Justice Minister Heather Humphreys has suggested that the actual number of suicide attempts may be even higher. In response to a parliamentary question from Mr Tóibín, she said additional relevant incidents may have been recorded under separate categories.
The Aontú leader described the statistics as “stark” and said his thoughts and prayers were with those who have lost loved ones to the River Shannon.
“There can be no doubt that these figures would be much higher was it not for the great work of the Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention Team, who Aontú had the pleasure of welcoming to Leinster House in recent months,” he said.
“Our mental health system in this country is a disaster. Mental health waiting lists are growing year on year. Young people waiting to access mental health care is at a six-year high.
“CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) beds are being closed due to staff shortages. The Government must provide the proper pay and conditions to mental health professionals in order to fill the gaps and deficits within services in Ireland. This must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” added Mr Tóibín.
A total of 139 incidents in which people entered or attempted to enter the Shannon in the relevant categories were recorded by Limerick gardaí in 2017. The figure fell to 87 the following year, and 89 occurred in 2019.
Some 95 such incidents were recorded in 2020, 83 in 2021, and a further 67 instances have taken place to date this year, according to the statistics.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this article please contact:
Samaritans helpline 116 123
Aware helpline 1800 80 48 48
Pieta House on 1800 247 247
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