OPINION: Are the Irish less likely to report rule-breakers?
With a hosepipe ban now in place for the country until the end of August, we take a look at why many people are reluctant to report neighbours who ignore the ban
When Uisce Éireann announced its new hotline for reporting neighbours who may be breaching the hosepipe ban, the reaction was not strange to many of us.
News articles covering the topic on Facebook gathered many comments from locals saying that they would never dream of reporting a neighbour for washing their car or using a paddling pool during the six-week hosepipe ban.
The suggestion that people should ring a hotline to report someone washing a car or watering a garden struck many as a step too far in terms of self-policing.
While we understand that water is a precious and essential resource, and that conservation is particularly important during periods of prolonged dry weather, it's easy to see why many people are uncomfortable with the idea of reporting their neighbours for breaching the hosepipe ban.
Looking back to the history of British rule here in Ireland, there is a long-standing legacy of mistrust towards authorities and a deep awareness of the consequences that could come from informing on others.
Another reason we as a country may feel so uncomfortable with this idea could be linked to our population size.
Ireland is a relatively small country, with many communities where people know their neighbours, their families and their connections.
As a result, if someone were to report a neighbour for breaching the restrictions, the chances of that person being identified may feel much higher than in a larger country where people are more anonymous. Irish people also have close relationships with their neighbours.
All of this helps to explain why so many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of "snitching" on their neighbours, even when they may be breaking the law.