One in 10 people admit to putting rubbish in their neighbours bin – to avoid paying charges.

One in five say they have had a row with a neighbour while 10% say people next door would not give a ball back if it was kicked over their fence.

Some of the findings of a ‘Know Your Neighbour’ survey from Macra na Feirme, sponsored by Calor, which also found 41% have said that while they are friendly with their neighbours, they would not socialise with them.

President of Macra na Feirme Sean Finan has said it is really important that people get to know their neighbours: “It is very important because you may not realise the day or the hour that you may need to call on your neighbour to help you out in time of difficulty.

“That can be the case in both rural and urban area, you might find yourself in difficulty where you might have to call on your neighbours.

“It is important to know you can call on your neighbour in time of difficulty.”