Macra campaign aims to reduce isolation
CRIME and isolation remain the key issues facing rural communities in Wicklow and across the country, according to a recent survey of Macra na Feirme members.
Twenty-five percent 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. As part of the campaign, Wicklow’s Macra groups are encouraging members to get to know their neighbours and build relationships with them.
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 those surveyed, admitted they only used their local post office a couple of times a year.
‘ 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,’ said Macra na Feirme National President James Healy. ‘It’s only through a strong sense of community spirit that rural Ireland can thrive. Whether you live in a sparsely populated region or a city or town, it’s important to have a relationship with those living around you. Our recent survey showed that 96 per cent of Macra na Feirme respondents know who their neighbours are at the very least, which shows, in my opinion that campaigns such as this one, do have an impact.’
The goal of Know Your Neighbour is to provide communities with an outlet for neighbours to get to know each other and establish a strong support network. Every year Macra na Feirme encourages its branches to set up a Know Your Neighbour event in their locality.
Clubs can organise an event any day of week. In the past, barbeques, country walks, sports days and local area clean-ups have all been held.
Anyone interested in holding a Know Your Neighbour event, can download the Know Your Neighbour poster from macra. ie/downloads and email jcoffey@macra. ie with details of the event, which will be published on the Macra na Feirme website.