Lack of amenities, anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion are among the main problems identified by people living in Dublin's suburban commuter belt, according to a study to be published this week.
These are the initial findings of a 2½ year study by academics in NUI Maynooth which provide one of the first significant insights into civic and social life in the suburbs.
The study focused on four suburbs (Ratoath, Co Meath; Leixlip, Co Kildare; Mullingar, Co Westmeath and Lucan, Co Dublin) at different stages of development.
In the newer suburbs which have experienced the most rapid growth in recent years - Lucan and Mullingar - respondents were more likely to rely on relatives rather than neighbours for help and support compared to more established suburbs.
In Mullingar, just 5 per cent were likely to rely on a neighbour for support compared to Leixlip, an older suburb, where most said their social networks were located within the area.
Respondents in newer suburbs were also less likely to feel attached to the area, with just over half in Lucan (53 per cent) feeling attached to the area compared to 70 per cent in Leixlip.
While many of the suburbs reported different findings depending on their stage of development, some key themes were apparent across the commuter belt, including a higher than average level of participation in the workforce by women (up to 58 per cent) compared to the national average of 48 per cent.
Childcare was a major issue in Lucan where around half of under-12s were looked after by a parent, while the other half were looked after at school, the creche or kindergarten. In Ratoath, nearly one-third of children under six attended a nursery, creche or pre-school.
Traffic was a significant issue in all four suburbs, although the lack of amenities - especially among children - and anti-social behaviour were also cited as key problems.
However, respondents also noted the positive aspects of living in the suburbs which typically included friendliness, convenience and rural aspects. However, in almost all cases, respondents expressed concern at overdevelopment.
The findings of the study, co-authored by Dr Mary Corcoran, Dr Michel Peillon and Dr Jane Gray of the department of sociology at NUI Maynooth, were based on a random sample of 800 adults in the four localities over 2 years.
Dr Gray said the findings may help forecast how newer suburbs are likely to develop, as well as shedding light on how people in suburbs are living and organising their lives.
"The ultimate question is how will people settle down in these communities and what is their future trajectory.
"The case study of Leixlip appears to show that people tend to become quite attached to the community, develop closer ties with neighbours over time," she said.
The initial findings of the study are due to be released at a conference, Civic and Social Life in the Suburbs, at NUI Maynooth on Friday.
