Macra president Seán Finan urges members to reach out to elderly

Security was one of the top concerns highlighted by survey respondents as part of research conducted by Calor under the Macra Know Your Neighbour initiative.

Research looking into the community aspects of Irish life found unemployment was the top concern for 18% of people, with quality of roads at 9%, and security, anti-social behaviour, and access to medical services all coming in as the third highest issues at 8% each.

Females were found to be marginally more concerned about security than males, and the figure increased to 10% among those aged over 45.

One in three (34%) of rural dwellers claimed access to a Garda station was difficult, more than double the number of people (15%) making the same claim in urban areas.

Rural dwellers also placed more importance on knowing their neighbours, 63% compared to 55%, though similar numbers (46%) claimed they would like to do more for their community.

The findings also revealed a feeling of disenfranchisement, with 41% of respondents feeling they are not an important part of the local community.

The findings reflect the premise of Macra’s Know Your Neighbour campaign, which is to actively encourage Macra members to engage with others in their communities, especially the elderly.

Hundreds of Calor care packs, containing everything needed for a chat over a cup of tea, two mugs, tea, and a packet of biscuits, have been distributed to Macra members in a bid to encourage more interaction.

Macra president Seán Finan said: "A simple chat with your neighbour might provide the perfect opportunity to identify any problems that you can help with and provide comfort and friendship.

"I am encouraging all members to put their Calor care pack to good use and visit a neighbour today.”

Tom O’Carroll, the CEO of Calor added: “One aim of the campaign is to increase current levels of interaction between people in the local community, which our research found to be marginally higher in rural areas as you’d expect, 35% versus 47% in rural.

“However the ease with which people can access services is markedly better in urban areas, which places a significant importance on greater community engagement in rural communities.”