Two thirds (66%) of adults in Connacht & Ulster feel that children today feel a lesser sense of community than they themselves did growing up in Ireland.

Not being familiar with neighbours is also prevalent in Connacht & Ulster communities with one in five (22%) saying that they would only ever have a brief chat with their neighbours, whereas, one in 10 (10%) of adults in Connacht & Ulster would not know their neighbours at all.

The research was commissioned by Calor in support of the launch of Macra na Feirme’s ‘Know Your Neighbour’ campaign.

Broadcaster and campaign ambassador, Síle Seoige, who launched the campaign, commented: “As a native of the village of Spiddal in Galway, I know how much those living in rural communities can rely on their neighbours and how important a strong sense of community is.

“ This summer, I’m delighted to be working on this campaign with Calor and Macra na Feirme, asking people, whether in an urban or rural setting to organise a community event in order for neighbours to get to know one another.”

When it comes to unneighbourly behaviour, one in five adults in Connacht & Ulster (22%) admit that they have had a row with their neighbour, whilst a shocking one in 10 (8%) of adults in Connacht & Ulster admit to putting their rubbish in a neighbours bin.

It would seem that this has not gone unnoticed with almost one in five adults (18%) suspecting their neighbours of putting rubbish in their bin.

And while most people in Connacht & Ulster (72%) say believe that it’s highly likely that their neighbour would give a ball back if it was kicked over their fence, 6% do not believe that their neighbour would oblige.