Despite battles over access to basic amenities in new suburbs, studies suggest that people grow more attached and develop closer ties the more established a community becomes.

These are some of the findings of research conducted in the commuter belt around Dublin by a team of academics from the sociology department of NUI Maynooth.

In what was 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 that experienced the most rapid growth in recent years - Lucan and Mullingar - respondents were more likely to rely on relatives than on 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 53 per cent in Lucan feeling attached to the area compared to 70 per cent in Leixlip.

Dr Jane Gray, of NUI Maynooth, 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.

On a practical level, Ratoath has found found that mobilising residents' groups under one umbrella body and getting involved in the planning process has been crucial in improving their community.

"The planning needs to start before the houses are built," says Amanda McLoughlin, of the Woodlands Residents' Association. "Money from developers also needs to be earmarked for the local community, while good consultation with the local authority is essential."