A call for major scientific research to be carried out into the cause of suicide in rural areas was made yesterday at the Irish Rural Link conference in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.
Séamus Boland, chief executive of the rural development organisation, said suicide had claimed 444 lives in 2003, and there were a further 58 deaths from undetermined causes which had a high probability of being suicide.
"In real terms, we are losing more people to suicide every year than in road accidents in what has been a hidden tragedy in Ireland for far too long."
Mr Boland, who heads the national network made up of groups and individuals lobbying for greater development in rural Ireland, said the problem seemed to be particularly acute in rural areas, where it was estimated that over 200 people died by suicide annually.
He said there have been a number of tragic incidents around the country in recent times, including the deaths in Wexford of a mother and her two daughters.
He had been told that there had been seven suicides in Co Roscommon in the last six weeks.
Mr Boland said this was a sensitive issue to deal with, but it had been a hidden tragedy in rural areas for so long. Many families in rural areas had been hurt by it.
"Despite the fact that we are into the 21st century, suicide still has a major stigma attached to it, and this can be felt by the families and friends from small towns and villages who have lost loved ones to suicide.
"Not only do we need to begin to look at what the causes of suicide are and how to tackle the high suicide rate in Ireland, but we also need to ensure that we look at specific factors that are unique to rural Ireland.
"The role that a feeling of isolation can play in a person's life cannot be underestimated, and although people in major urban centres can also have feelings of isolation it is a particular for people living in rural areas, especially remote rural areas."
He said the recent announcement by Rehabcare to develop a national suicide prevention programme, which is being backed by former US president Bill Clinton, was a welcome initiative.
Irish Rural Link, however, would like to remind all concerned to remember to ensure that rural factors are taken into account when such a worthwhile programme is being developed.