Almost half of small business owners here say a Brexit would have disastrous consequences for Ireland, according to a new survey.

Big Red Cloud says 43% of those surveyed believed if the UK votes to leave the European Union next month, it will have a negative impact on their companies.

Up to 54% of respondents said exports will fall if the leave campaign wins.

Marc O'Dwyer, CEO of Big Red Cloud, said: "While there’s been a lot of discussion around the considered opinions of various economic commentators - less is known about the views of those on the ground - the Irish small business owner.

"So we thought it would be insightful and useful to ask these people what they think."

He also said that, given Ireland’s large presence in the UK in the form of ex-pats and temporary workers, he believed the question had to be asked – should we be trying to influence our British neighbours?

The survey revealed that the overall consensus would appear to be balanced, but the "fearing Brexit camp" are in the slight majority.

Mr O'Dwyer explained: "Respondents were pretty strong in their understanding of what Brexit is (86%) but the understanding of implications for Ireland dropped to 67%.

"What featured strongly was the fact that Irish business owners believe that we have a role to play in influencing the vote if given the opportunity. This would support the contention that most business owners are concerned as to how this vote will go on June 23rd."

The Big Red Cloud survey put eight questions to its respondents:

Do you have a clear understanding of what BREXIT actually is?

Yes 86%

No 14%

Do you have a good understanding of what the implications for Ireland will be if the UK exits the EU?

Yes 67%

No 33%

Do you believe that if the UK leaves the EU it will have a direct impact on your business?

No impact 46%

Yes negative impact 43%

Positive impact 11%

Do you believe we have a role to play in encouraging our friends and relatives in the UK to vote to remain in the EU?

Yes 58%

No 42%

In your own personal opinion which of the following would best describe your views on the UK leaving the EU?

It would be disastrous for the Irish economy 48%

Don’t care 6%

Don’t think it will have a big impact 20%

Positive for Ireland in many ways 13%

Benefits outweigh the cons 13%

If the UK votes to leave the EU do you think Ireland should consider following suit?

Yes 34%

No 66%

Do you think Britain's exit would affect the volume of goods that Ireland exports to the UK?

No, I don’t think it will have an effect on volumes traded - 46%

Yes I think it could go down by up to 10% - 21%

Yes I think it could go down by up to 20% - 15%

Yes I think it could go down by over 20% - 18%