I am Dr Adrienne McCann, the Research Manager jointly appointed by Maynooth University (Innovation Value Institute) and Age Friendly Ireland, hosted by Meath County Council.
I am a researcher and part-time farmer, concerned with how climate change will impact older people living in rural Ireland or from traditional agricultural areas.
This study aims to explore the older person’s perspective of climate change, and how proposed changes may impact life in rural Ireland, particularly on agricultural practices and rural living.
What will the study involve?
The study will involve completing an online survey on your views of climate change and how these may impact you personally. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. At the end of the survey there is an option to include your email address should you wish to take part in a one-to-one interview with the researcher to further elaborate on your perspective.
Who has approved this study?
This study has been reviewed and received ethical approval from Maynooth University Research Ethics committee. You may have a copy of this approval if you request it.
Why have you been asked to take part?
The agricultural industry has been identified as a poorly performing industry in relation carbon emissions and climate change therefore requiring changes. You have been asked to part take in this study as the voice of older people is particularly important when making recommendations for change given Ireland’s ageing population.
Do you have to take part?
No, you are under no obligation whatsoever to take part in this research. You are invited to take part in an online survey to share your thoughts. It is entirely up to you to decide whether or not you would like to take part. If you decide to do so, you will be asked to sign a consent form and given a copy and the information sheet for your own records. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason and/or to withdraw your information up until such time as the research findings are analysed. A decision to withdraw at any time, or a decision not to take part, will not affect your relationships with Maynooth University.
What information will be collected?
Information will be collected on your perspectives of climate change, the changes proposed to help Ireland become more climate friendly, and how these proposed changes will affect you.
Will your participation in the study be kept confidential?
Yes, all information that is collected about you during the course of the research will be kept confidential. No names will be identified at any time unless you wish to participate in a follow up interview with the researcher, in which case we ask you to provide an email contact address. All hard copy information will be held in a locked cabinet at the researchers’ place of work, electronic information will be encrypted and held securely on MU PC or servers and will be accessed only by Dr Adrienne McCann.
No information will be distributed to any other unauthorised individual or third party. If you so wish, the data that you provide can also be made available to you at your own discretion.
‘It must be recognised that, in some circumstances, confidentiality of research data and records may be overridden by courts in the event of litigation or in the course of investigation by lawful authority. In such circumstances the University will take all reasonable steps within law to ensure that confidentiality is maintained to the greatest possible extent.’
What will happen to the information which you give?
All the information you provide will be kept at Maynooth University in such a way that it will not be possible to identify you. On completion of the research, the data will be retained on the MU server. After ten years, all data will be destroyed (by the PI). Manual data will be shredded confidentially, and electronic data will be reformatted or overwritten by the PI in Maynooth University.
What will happen to the results? The research will be written up and presented as a report. The report may also be published in peer reviewed journal articles. A copy of the research findings will be made available to you upon request.
What are the possible disadvantages of taking part?
I don’t envisage any negative consequences for you in taking part. You can withdraw at any time and this will not impact your relationship with Maynooth University.
What if there is a problem?
Should you have any issues completing the online survey, please contact the researcher (Dr Adrienne McCann) at the given email address on the survey. If you experience any distress following the survey you may contact Alone National Support Line at 00353 0818 222 024.
You may contact my supervisor Prof Brian Donnellan (brian.donnellan@mu.ie) if you feel the research has not been carried out as described above.
Any further queries? If you need any further information, you can contact me: Dr Adrienne McCann at adrienne.mccann@mu.ie
If you agree to take part in the study, please complete the next form.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
