Macra na Feirme's campaign to foster a sense of community in Ireland resumes today when the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Vincent Jackson hosts a reception in the Mansion House.
It is hoped volunteers will organise events for a special "Know Your Neighbour Weekend" in July.
The scheme is organised by the mainly rural Macra na Feirme group but hopes to boost community spirit across Ireland amid fears the pressures of modern living are undermining relations.
"While we've seen increased prosperity in Ireland in recent years, many people are now also faced with the increased pressures that come hand-in-hand with modern living," said Macra na Feirme national president Catherine Buckley.
"Long hours at work, ever-increasing commute times and family and other commitments mean that people are spending less and less time involved in community-based activities. All too often we hear people saying that they don't even know their own neighbours."
A list of suggested activities for the "Know Your Neighbour Weekend" on July 14th and 15th is available on the official website www.knowyourneighbour.ie.
Ms Buckley said: "We also hope this initiative will generate a debate about the importance and relevance of neighbourliness and community in today's society."
