Macra launch campaign over crime fears

RURAL crime and rural isolation remain the key issues facing communities in Ireland according to a recent survey of Macra na Feirme members. 25 per cent of members surveyed identified rural crime as the biggest issue facing communities, while for 20 per cent of members it was rural isolation. The results of the survey come as Macra na Feirme launches its biggest annual community initiative for 2018, Know Your Neighbour.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said:

“The Know Your Neighbour campaign by Macra na Feirme is a great initiative. Whether you’ve lived in an area your whole life or have just moved in, getting to know your neighbours is very important. It binds our communities together. No telephone call or text conversation can replace physically meeting someone for a chat over a cup of tea.”

In the survey, depopulation was also identified as a major concern along with access to key local services.

When asked about essential rural services such as the Post office, 45 percent of members surveyed, admitted they only used their local post office a couple of times a year.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Macra na Feirme National President James Healy said: “This is the 13th year of Know Your Neighbour and over that period of time, it has grown to be one of the cornerstones of what Macra na Feirme stands for.”