Nearly 40 per cent of non-farming people living in rural Ireland have no involvement in any community, voluntary or sporting organisations, according to a survey published yesterday.
The survey of 1,250 rural households also found a very low level of entrepreneurship in the farming sector to diversify away from conventional agriculture.
In this first major look at what has become a two-speed rural Ireland, the study examined the changes taking place in the countryside where farming now accounts for just 30 per cent of employment.
Covering the 26 counties, the survey found that one quarter of rural dwellers commute more than 40 miles a day to work.
The main reason given for non-involvement in organisations was "lack of time" but 27 per cent said "lack of interest". Farm households were more likely than other rural homes to be involved in voluntary organisations.
Just over one third of all households were members of sporting organisations, one fifth (19 per cent) were members of farming organisations. The GAA was the most popular of the organisations.
The survey showed that agriculture was still the most important source of employment, at 30 per cent of total employment.Construction was the second most important, employing 12 per cent of the rural workforce, followed by manufacturing at 7 per cent and healthcare at 6 per cent.
The remaining 45 per cent of rural workers were employed in a diverse range of services, including public services.
Carried out by 70 students on an e-learning Diploma in Rural Development course provided by UCD, UCC, NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth, the survey found that 96 per cent of people agreed that the role of the countryside was to achieve peace and solitude.This was followed by the need to conserve wildlife and plants and 92.6 per cent said the production of food and fibre.
An almost similar number wanted the development of sustainable, living communities and close-knit communities.
Only 42.9 per cent agreed that anyone who wants should be allowed build a house in rural areas and 37.7 agreed the countryside had a role in providing sites for manufacturing facilities.
It was also found that less than a quarter, 23.2 per cent agreed that the countryside had a role in the processing of waste, with 69.3 per cent disagreeing. While 63.3 per cent felt there was a role in providing recreation for urban dwellers, 20.3 per cent disagreed. Peace and quiet was the aspect that respondents liked most about their area (69.5 per cent).
Commenting on the findings, Prof Jim Phelan of UCD said that in spite of various EU and national initiatives on rural development over the past 15 years, the level of entrepreneurship and diversification was disappointing.
"The abundant job opportunities, especially in construction, and the acceptance of commuting seems to have stifled some of the innovation among farm families and rural dwellers generally.
"Some of these jobs, particularly in areas such as construction, are vulnerable. Also, while farming will continue to be a major source of employment, its relative contribution will continue to decline," he said.
Prof Phelan criticised the fact that students who conducted the survey had to pay €3,000 fees because they were involved in distance learning. The fees would have been paid if they had taken the course on campus.