More than 4 in 10 people have had ‘run-ins’ with neighbours, according to new research from Aviva
Noise pollution and parking are the top causes for neighbour drama
11 November 2024, Dublin: More than half of people (53%) in Ireland speak with their neighbours weekly or more often, with one in ten (10%) chatting to them daily or “every other day” (14%). This number climbs to almost six in ten people who own their own home and especially those with children (57%). Conversely, three in ten (31%) rarely, if ever, interact with their neighbours.
A new survey conducted by Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC[1] (Aviva) found that men are significantly more likely to engage with their neighbours regularly[2] than women (59% vs. 46%), with nearly double the number of men (13%) reporting that they chat with their neighbours daily, compared to just 7% of women.
However, while neighbourhood banter appears to be commonplace, it’s not all smooth sailing. More than 4 in 10 (42%) report to have had some “issue” with their neighbours over the years.
The Top 5 Causes of neighbourly run-ins were:
Alan Behan, Aviva commented on the findings: “It seems that where neighbours are concerned, we’re a relatively friendly bunch, and this is particularly true for households with children where almost six in ten speak to their neighbours at the very least once a week – with many of them chatting a lot more frequently than that. Having good neighbours can be so important – particularly for those who are in their ‘family home’ where they are raising their children. The saying “it takes a village” springs to mind.
“Of course, everything is not always rosy where neighbours are concerned – as evidenced by the number of respondents to the survey who report to having had some incidents with neighbours in the past. Common concerns such as noise pollution, inconsiderate parking, and anti-social behaviour can create tension in what should ideally be friendly environments.”
Highlights from the Aviva survey include:
- Just over 50% of those aged 25–34 have reported issues, while only 35% of people over 55 claim to have.
- Dublin residents are the most likely to face neighbour conflicts, with 50% reporting issues, ahead of the general population average of 42%.
- Almost half (45%) of those aged 35–44 who have had a run-in with a neighbour identify noise pollution as their top concern.
- Inconsiderate parking impacts older adults the most, with nearly three in ten (29%) of those over 55 affected.
Ireland has a long history of strong neighbourhood bonds, with an emphasis on the importance of neighbour relationships and community. This deep sense of community is rooted in traditional Irish rural life but has carried over into urban areas as the landscape of the country changed throughout the years. Whether or not you want to engage with your neighbours is a personal choice, but having a harmonious environment in your homeplace is important and should always be encouraged and supported.
Alan Behan, Aviva
[1] Undertaken by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva.
[2] At least once a week – or more often than that