President backs Know Your Neighbour
The initiative, which will run on the weekend of July 25, is now in its tenth year, and encourages people to get to know those living near them.
Events such as barbecues, family fun days, sports days, and community clean-ups take place each year as part of Know Your Neighbour, which this year is sponsored by Calor.
The research revealed that unemployment was one of the issues causing most concern, with 18% of those surveyed saying it is the toughest challenge for communities.
Commenting on the research, Macra national president Seán Finan said: “We know that there is an economic recovery under way, but we need to ensure that the Government develops policies which address the urban/rural two-tier nature of this recovery.
“Our concern is that the recovery to date seems very urban focussed and it is not impacting on rural communities, this is borne out by our research.”
Once more, President Michael D Higgins has lent his support to the initiative.
“Irish people have always prided themselves on their strong sense of community and their reputation for being a welcoming and friendly nation,” he said.
“These are characteristics which still define us a people and as a society. In a modern and increasingly urbanised world, however, it can be very easy for neighbours to remain strangers and for people moving to new communities to become isolated and alone.
“Know Your Neighbour Weekend provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, and the value of building and maintaining friendships and connections within our neighbourhoods.
"I would encourage everyone to use this weekend to reach out a hand of friendship to their neighbours — especially to those who may be lonely, in need of support, or living far away from family and relatives.
www.knowyourneighbour.ie
