1 Fingal County Council Visitor/User Survey of Malahide Estuary - Survey Extension (Wave 2) Report...

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Fingal County Council

Visitor/User Survey of Malahide Estuary- Survey Extension (Wave 2)

Report of Findings26 August 2009

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Contents

1. Introduction• Research Background, Objectives & Methodology

• Survey Locations

• Sample Size & Statistical Reliability

2. Results of User Counts

3. Results of User Survey• Demographic profile

• Reasons for visiting the Malahide Estuary

• Means of transportation

• Time and frequency of visit

• Likes and dislikes

• Perceived importance of the Malahide Estuary as an area

4. Summary of Key Findings

5. Appendices

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1. Introduction

4

Research Background

Fingal County Council is required to conduct an environmental assessment

of the Estuary as part of the preparation of the new County Development

Plan and Local Area Plans, in particular to examine the impact of visitor

use on the Estuary’s conservation objectives.

Robust data is required on user numbers and the nature of current use, to

provide a baseline measure from which existing use patterns can be

extrapolated into the future, to help inform future policy and decision-

making.

Ipsos MORI was commissioned by Fingal County Council to conduct

research with people using the Estuary across a range of weekdays and

weekends, using seven pre-identified locations around the Estuary as

sampling points.

This report focuses primarily on the second wave extension to the

survey, but also includes comparative data to the initial wave.

5

Objectives & Methodology

The main objective of the research was to measure the number of visitors using the Estuary at different times of the week and to provide a profile of these users, determine their behaviours and gain feedback about their attitudes towards the Estuary generally.

In wave 2 (the survey extension), a total of 296 face to face interviews were conducted at 7 different locations around the Malahide Estuary over 14 days

– In wave 1, a total of 263 interviews were conducted.

– Both waves were conducted over 7 weekdays and 7 weekend days.

Fieldwork dates were as follows;

– First wave (incl. pilot stage): February/March ’09, (22/02/09-23/02/09, 04/03/09-15/03/09)

– Second wave: July ’09, (on days from 11/07/09-01/08/09).

– Note that the collapse of the Malahide Estuary viaduct on 21/08/09 occurred outside of the fieldwork.

‘Intercept’ interviews were conducted with users, therefore no quota controls were applied

– Counting of pedestrians/users took place simultaneously.

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Sample Size & Statistical Reliability

The project required several factors to be balanced;

– The cumulative time spent at each of the seven sampling points needed to be broadly similar.

– Each point was covered on a mix of weekdays and weekend days to ensure good coverage.

– Trying to achieve a robust sample size, while balancing the other objectives and also taking potential budgetary constraints into account.

The survey is designed to generally be representative of users;

– People who are more likely to use the Estuary and go more frequently are more likely to be picked up in the survey.

– Therefore, the results are naturally skewed towards these people, in that their probability of selection would be proportional to their usage.

– However, this is acceptable as the desire would be for the results and opinions of users to carry more weight.

Ultimately, the overall ‘universe’ of users of the Estuary is unknown and cannot be defined (there is no defined entry/exit point).

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Survey Locations: 7 Interviewing/Count Points

Point 1: Car Park opposite Oscar Traynors Restaurant

Point 2: Layby near Yacht Club

Point 3: 1st Layby after Malahide Rugby Club

Point 4: Beside where the swans gather

Point 5: End of Kilcrea Road

Point 6: Beside Island Golf Club

Point 7: Martello Tower car park

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2. Results of User Counts

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Pedestrian Counts

Given a total of fourteen ‘shifts’ to cover 7 locations points, it was not

possible to achieve coverage for every hour across every point.

The shift patterns were designed with the aim of ensuring;

– Broadly equal coverage of all seven points

– Weekday and weekend coverage at all seven points.

Counts were collated in 15 minute segments

– Therefore, these results have been extrapolated to produce hourly averages.

Other factors, such as inclement weather and seasonal factors, may affect

the numbers using the Estuary at different times.

The results should be used as a guide to assess;

– Locations that are more/less popular

– Times of day that are more/less popular.

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Users – Weekday Hourly Averages (Mon-Fri)Wave 2WEEKDAYHOURLY AVERAGES

09.00-12.00Morning

12.00-14.00Lunchtime

14.00-17.00Afternoon

17.00-21.00Evening

Hourly average for each location

Location 1 11 51 34 32 30

Location 2 12 13 4 22 14

Location 3 9 12 12 41 21

Location 4 4 10 19 20 14

Location 5 1 1 4 0 1

Location 6 4 3 2 0 2

Location 7 16 118 48 25 44

Location 1 achieves the highest average footfall, with a peak of c. 50 per hour over lunchtime (12h-14h).

Location 7 is also popular, particularly at lunchtime (12h-14h).

Locations 2, 3 & 4 show lower numbers, averaging c. 10-20 per hour.

Locations 5 & 6 are the least popular, with less than 5 users per hour across the day.

– However, while these points were also quieter in the past wave, it is worth noting that poor weather may have affected counts at these points also.

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WEEKEND HOURLY AVERAGES

09.00-12.00Morning

12.00-14.00Lunchtime

14.00-17.00Afternoon

17.00-21.00Evening

Hourly average for each location

Location 1 29 97 69 38 53

Location 2 48 19 20 15 25

Location 3 26 20 20 0 15

Location 4 12 15 32 7 16

Location 5 12 5 22 26 18

Location 6 9 19 35 12 18

Location 7 32 90 68 55 58

Users – Weekend Hourly Averages (Sat-Sun)Wave 2

Locations 1 & 7 are the most popular at the weekend, with an average hourly footfall of c. 50, peaking at almost 100 per hour over lunchtime.

Location 2 is also popular, with close to 50 users on average in the morning (09h-12h).

All other locations (3, 4, 5 & 6) show variables user numbers throughout the day, averaging at 15-25 per hour.

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Users – Weekday and Weekend day Hourly Averages – Wave1 vs Wave 2

14

30

44

2

1

14

21

29

11

10

7

11

25

57

Location 7

Location 6

Location 5

Location 4

Location 3

Location 2

Location 1

Wave 1- HourlyAverage


25

53

58

18

18

16

15

3

61

14

30

33

21

72

Location 7

Location 6

Location 5

Location 4

Location 3

Location 2

Location 1



Weekday Hourly averages

WeekendHourly averages

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3. Results of User Survey

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Demographic Profile of Users

15

48%

52%

54%

46%

Male

Female

Wave 1Wave 2

Base: All respondents, Wave 1 (n=263) and Wave 2 (n=296)

32%

21%

21%

19%

7%

32%

19%

25%

17%

6%

55+

45-54

35-44

25-34

16-24 Wave 1Wave 2

Gender Age

The gender balance remains consistent across waves, with a very slight male skew. Across both waves, one third of users are aged 55+.

Demographic Profile of Users – Gender & Age – Wave 1 vs Wave 2

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Demographic Profile of Users – Age by Gender – Wave 1 vs Wave 2

In wave 1, female users tended to be younger while male users tended to be older. In wave 2, the age spread is almost identical in both genders.

Base: All respondents Wave 1 (n=263) Base: All respondents Wave 2 (n=296)

38%

17%

26%

14%

4%

24%

22%

24%

22%

8%

55+

45-54

35-44

25-34

16-24

Male (n=143)

Female (n=120)

Age by Gender: Wave 1

32%

21%

20%

19%

8%

33%

21%

22%

19%

5% Male (n=154)

Female (n=142)

Age by Gender: Wave 2

16-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55+

17

34%

26%

28%

6%

5%

31%

17%

24%

26%

2%

55+

45-54

35-44

25-34

16-24 Malahide (n=95)

Swords area (n=54)

Age Profile: Wave 1

In both waves, Malahide users tended to be older (60%/61% aged 45+),while Swords users were younger (28%/35% aged under 35).

Base: As indicated

23%

23%

19%

25%

10%

37%

24%

18%

15%

6% Malahide (n=97)Swords area (n=48)

Age Profile: Wave 2

Demographic Profile of Users - Wave 1 vs Wave 2– Age Profile of Malahide/Swords respondents

16-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55+

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Demographic Profile of Users - Wave 1 vs Wave 2– Social Class & Household Size

c. 70% of users across both waves are in the ABC1 social class,mainly in households with no children under 16 years.

13%

17%

43%

27%

10%

19%

19%

50%

DE

C2

C1

ABWave 1

Wave 2

Social Class*Number of People

in Household

Children (<16 year old): W.1 W.2

Adults: W.1 W.2

*2% of respondents refused to answer on wave 1

-None 62% 67%-1 child 16% 16%-2 children 16% 12%-3 children 4% 4%-4 children 2% 1%-5+ children * (n=2) --1 adult 13% 12%-2 adults 65% 60%-3 adults 13% 16%-4 adults 5% 9%-5 adults 2% 2%-6+ adults 1% 2%

A Upper Middle Class B Middle Class C1 Lower Middle Class

Non Manual Workers

C2 Skilled Workers D Semi-skilled Workers E State Pensioners & Unemployed

Manual Workers

Base: All respondents Wave 1 (n=263) and Wave 2 (n=296)

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Demographic Profile of Users - Wave 1 vs Wave 2– Where they live

How long were they living there?

Total sample: Average of 19 years

36%

8%3%2%

5%

26%

21%

Malahide

Approximately one third of users are from Malahide, 16-21% from Swords and a further one in four from other areas within Fingal Co. Co.

Swords

Rest of Fingal

County Council

Dublin City

Council area

South Dublin

Council area

OtherDun Laoghaire

-Rathdown

33%12%

2%12%

25% 16%

Wave 1 Wave 2

Swords

Rest of Fingal

County Council

Malahide

Dublin City

Council area

South Dublin

Council area

Other (incl. Meath 3%, other counties 7%, Outside Irl 2%)

How long were they living there?

Total sample: Average of 19 years

Base: All respondents Wave 1 (n=263) Base: All respondents Wave 2 (n=296)

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7%

4%

22%

25%

42%

11%

11%

30%

17%

32%

Other (n=25)

Dublin CityCouncil

area (n=20)

Rest ofFingal(n=69)

Swords(n=54)

Malahide(n=95)

Weekdayusers (n=152)

Weekendusers (n=111)

Wave 1

In the summer wave, the proportion of users from the Malahide/Swords area was higher at the weekend (53%) vs. weekdays (45%).

Base: As indicated

10%

14%

23%

16%

37%

19%

10%

27%

17%

28%

Weekdayusers (n=138)Weekendusers (n=158)

Wave 2

Demographic Profile of Users- Wave 1 vs Wave 2– Where they live (by day of visit)

Malahide (n=97)

Swords (n=48)

Rest of Fingal(n=73)

Dublin City Council

area (n=36)

Other (n=42)

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Working in the area (by day of visit) - Wave 2 only

Base: All respondents from wave 2 (n=296)

Q. May I ask if you are working in the local area?

28%

48%

13%

6%

4%

41%

34%

14%

5%

7%

Weekday users(n=138)

Weekend dayusers (n=158)

Yes, in Malahide

Yes, in Swords

Yes, within Fingal County council area

Yes, outside Fingal County council area

No, not working

N.B: This question was not included in wave 1.

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Purpose of Visit & Transport Used

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Reasons for visiting the Estuary - Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Q. What would you say is the main reason you are here at Malahide Estuary today?

33%

30%

15%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

32%

19%

13%

4%

3%

1%

10%

2%

6%

Wave 1Wave 2Walking (for exercise)

Walking (for pleasure/scenery)

Walking the dog

Feed the swans or ducks

Commuting/getting from A to B (e.g. work)

Relax and enjoy the view

Water sports (except sailing)

Bird watching

Lunch/picnic

Work

The Estuary is visited primarily for walking, although slightly higherproportions visited in the summer to relax or to feed water birds.

Other mentions (-1%) in wave 1 were: To get air for the kids, Research on wildlife, cycling, sailing, visiting family, going to the beach, photography.


Other mentions (-1%) in wave 2 were: Cycling, swimming/going to the beach, day trip with group (school, club, friends), bottle bank, sailing, bring the children, jogging/running, motor biking, collecting mussels, fishing, tennis. .

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Q. How did you travel to Malahide Estuary today? How do you usually travel to the Malahide Estuary?

The car is consistently used to travel to the Estuary by c. 60% of visitors, with almost all others walking.

Means of transportation to the Estuary- Wave1 vs Wave 2

Base: As indicated

1

60%

60%

61%

67% 31%

34%

37%

35% 1%

1%

1%

1%1%

2%

1%

1%11

2

By car On foot (walk/run) By train By bus Cycling Other First time here

Today

Usually

Wave 1-Total sample (n=263)




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Q. How do you usually travel to the Malahide Estuary?

Car usage is much higher among Swords residents, particularly inthe summer period, when 3 in 4 Malahide residents walk by comparison.

Usual means of transportation to the Estuary- Wave1 vs Wave 2 - Malahide vs Swords

Base: As indicated

32%

63%

23%

71% 25%

76%

35%

68%

1%

2%

4%

By car On foot (walk/run) Other

Wave 1

Wave 2

Living in Malahide (n=95)

Living in Malahide (n=97)

Living in Swords (n=54)

Living in Swords (n=48)

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Q. How do you usually travel to the Malahide Estuary?

The patterns below are reflective of the origin of visitors in eachperiod, whereby Malahide visitors are more likely to walk there.

Usual means of transportation to the Estuary- Wave 1 vs Wave 2 - Weekday vs Weekend interviews

Base: As indicated

52%

65%

64%

57% 35%

34%

30%

45%

2%

5%

3%

8%

By car On foot (walk/run) Other

Wave 1

Wave 2

Interviewed on a weekday (n=138)

Interviewed on a weekend day (n=158)

Interviewed on a weekend day (n=152)

Interviewed on a weekday (n=111)

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Favoured Location for Car Parking- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Base: All who usually drive or drove to the Estuary today wave 1 (n=176) / wave 2 (n=184)

A variety of parking areas were used in the summer period, whereas more interviews (and parking) was evident at Malahide Coast Rd in wave 1.

Q. Where do you usually park?

2%

2%

4%

14%

16%

20%

40%

2%

3%

1%

20%

25%

26%

23%

Wave 1Wave 2

Malahide Coast Road car park (Point 1)

Estuary Road from Malahide to Swords (Points 2,3,4)

Northern side towards Donabate, at end of Kilcrea Road (Point 5)

Beside Island Golf Club (Point 6)

Martello Tower car park (Point 7)

In Malahide Village

Don’t Know/No answer

Other single mentions Wave 1: Woodies car Park, On the sea front, High Rock car park, It depends.

Wave 2: Don’t park/ drop off

% of sample interviews

34%

46%

11%

7%

2%

W.1 W.2

17%

46%

22%

7%

8%

28

Time & Frequency of visit

29

Favoured Time of Visit- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Q. At what time do you most often visit Malahide Estuary?*

7%

35%

20%

29%

9%

7%

24%

15%

24%

15%

10%

4%

Wave 1Wave 2

Mid-morning (9am-12 noon)

Early morning (Before 9 am)

Afternoon (2-5pm)

Lunchtime (12 noon- 2pm)

Evening (5-7pm)

The Estuary is visited later in the day by many in the summer period, taking advantage of extended daylight hours.


Night Time (After 7pm)*

Don’t know/ It varies

* Not asked on the first wave

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Favoured Time of Visit – Wave 1 vs Wave 2 - By Age GroupsQ. At what time do you most often visit Malahide Estuary?

16-34 year old (n=62)

Younger users are more likely to visit the Estuary in the evening.

Base: As indicated

7%

3%

5%

11%

3%

10%

26%

34%

43%

17%

30%

23%

14%

23%

18%

21%

15%

35%

25%

30%

28%

27%

13%

17%

12%

15%

16%

13%

20%

6%3%

6%

4%

Early morning (- 9am) Mid-morning (9-12) Lunchtime (12-2pm) Afternoon (2-5 pm)Evening (5-7 pm) Night-time (+ 7pm) It depends

18%

10%

16-34 year old (n=76)

35-54 year old (n=116)

35-54 year old (n=124)

55+ year old (n=84)

55+ year old (n=96)

Wave 2

Wave 1

31

Favoured Time of Visit – Wave 1 vs Wave 2 - Malahide/Swords residentsQ. At what time do you most often visit Malahide Estuary?

All respondents (n=263)

Malahide residents are more likely to visit in the morning period.

Base: As indicated

14%

7%

9%

11%

7%

4%

35%

40%

30%

24%

24%

23%

12%

20%

14%

20%

13%

29%

26%

24%

24%

27%

13%

15%

17%

9%

9%

23%

10%

18%

6%4%

3%

4%

Early morning (- 9am) Mid-morning (9-12) Lunchtime (12-2pm) Afternoon (2-5 pm)Evening (5-7 pm) Night-time (+ 7pm) It depends

15%

15%

Malahide residents (n=95)

Swords residents (n=54)*

Wave 2

Wave 1

All respondents (n=296)

Malahide residents (n=97)

Swords residents (n=48)*

* Smaller sample

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Frequency of visit by location point- Wave 2 onlyQ. On average, how often do you use (or visit near) each of the following areas of Malahide Estuary?

12%

4%

4%11%

11%

5%

1%

3%

5%

8%

14%

19% 8%

10%

9%

2%

4%

5%

15%

11%

14%

12% 19%

25%

26%

35%

18% 69%

40%

36%

22%

26%

2%

1%

A few times a day Once a day A few times a week Once a weekA few times a month Less often Never DK

Malahide Coast Road (Point 1)

Estuary Road (from Malahide to Swords)

(Points 2,3,4)

Northern side towards Donabate(end of Kilcrea Road)

(Point 5)


Martello Tower(Point 7)

(Ranked by mean scores)

At least Once/week

43%

39%

25%

10%

6%

% of sample

interviews

17%

46%

22%

7%

8%

Base: All respondents Wave 2 (n=296)

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45%

38%

12%

4%

26%

39%

43%

10%

6%

25%

Wave 1Wave 2

Survey locations 1-4 & 7 are the most popular with visitors.


Visiting each location point at least once a week- Wave 1 vs Wave 2Q. On average, how often do you use (or visit near) each of the following areas of Malahide Estuary?

At least once a week

Estuary Road (from Malahide to Swords)

(Points 2,3,4)

Malahide Coast Road (Point 1)

Martello Tower (Point 7)

Northern side towards Donabate(end of Kilcrea Road)

(Point 5)


(Ranked by location)% of sample interviews

W.1 W.2

34%

46%

11%

7%

2%

46%

22%

7%

8%

17%

38

Visiting Malahide Estuary: Likes and Dislikes

39

Visiting the Estuary: Likes- Wave 1 vs Wave 2Q. What would you say are the reasons you enjoy visiting Malahide Estuary? (Multicode)

Visits are primarily for the scenery and fresh air, although activities such as dog walking and bird feeding increase in the summer.

66%

47%

43%

26%

20%

15%

5%

2%

2%

2%

1%

56%

25%

19%

21%

11%

5%

5%

8%

4%

5%

8%

Wave 1Wave 2Like being outdoors/fresh air

Like to exercise

Picturesque/scenic/beautiful

To look at the water

Enjoy water sports/sailing

Like the wildlife/birds/close to nature

Close to home/ convenient

Walking the dog

Clean/well laid out

Beach

Peaceful/Quiet/relaxing

Other mentions (-1%) wave 1: Research/college, commuting, good for the kids, good restaurants, photography, etc.

Other mentions (-3%) wave 2: Pathways/walks, safe, swimming, free parking, traffic free, fishing, friends living nearby etc.


40

24%

12%

10%

8%

4%

2%

36%

23%

7%

7%

6%

5%

6%

42%

Too much litter

Not enough litter bins

Bad paths (mucky/flooding)

Difficulty to getparking

Road traffic

Poor quality of water

Nothing

Wave 1

Wave 2

Visiting the Estuary: Dislikes- Wave 1 vs Wave 2Q. What, if anything, do you dislike about visiting Malahide Estuary?

Litter is the main dislike, with minor concerns over traffic and parking. Many respondents have no complaints or dislikes.

Other mentions (-3%) wave 1: Anti-social behaviour, Crowded/ too many people, Lack of seating, Bad smell, Lack of walkway, Lack of toilets, Bad weather, Noise/speed of traffic, Lack of lighting, Cars on beach, Dogs off lead and dog dirt, lack of signage on wildlife, ugly bridge etc.

Other mentions (-3%) wave 2: Lack of seating, Anti-social behaviour, Dogs dirt/ lack of doggy bags, Overgrown hedges/lack of maintenance, Dumping/dead animals/waste, Broken bottles, Crowded, No life guards, Rats etc.


41

Perceived Importance of Malahide Estuary

42

Importance of the Estuary- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

97%

2%

Q. How important do you believe Malahide Estuary is as an area ?

Very Important

Important

All important W1 = 99% / All Important W2 =100%

All users surveyed across both waves believe it is an important area.

Not that important *(n=1)


91%

9%

Wave 1 Wave 2

43

Reasons why Malahide Estuary is Important- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Q. Why do you say that? (Multicode)

Base: All who said the Malahide Estuary was important as an area (n=262).

The perceived importance is due to it being a public amenity, as well as its environmental/conservation importance.

68%

36%

32%

29%

25%

1%

55%

38%

16%

24%

8%

3%

Wave 1

Wave 2

Good public amenity

Free amenity

Important for nature/from an

ecological/conservation/environmental point of view

Important area for birds

Important area for wildlife

Beautiful/scenic and clean

Other mentions (-1%) wave 1: Good for kids, Symbiotic experience, Under-developed, Safe for sports etc.

Other mentions (-2%) wave 2: Tourism, Water/Sailing/Beach facilities, Good for kids, the walks, Unique/Different, Health reasons/ Relaxing, Meet people/Social aspect, etc.

44

45%

47%

56%

53%

54%

60%

18%

11%

12%

11%

11%

14%

9%

9%

12%

10%

8%

6%

28%

30%

25%

24%

21%

Very aware Somewhat aware Not that aware Not at all aware

27%

That this is a nature conservation area that is legally protected

That it is an ecologically sensitive area

That this is a Special Protection Area for birds

Q. How aware were you, before today, of the following details regarding Malahide Estuary…?

Awareness of the Estuary as an ecological area- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Slightly lower proportions in wave 2 claim to be aware of the ecological and conservational importance of the Estuary.

All very orsomewhat

aware

71%

66%

63%


That this is a Special Protection Area for birds

That this is a nature conservation area that is legally protected

That it is an ecologically sensitive area

Wave 1

Wave 267%

63%

61%

45

1%

2%3%

67%

27%

Very Useful

The majority across both waves believe that signage would be useful.


1%

3%4%

66%

26%

Wave 1 Wave 2

Q. How useful would signage providing information on the importance of Malahide Estuary be?

Signage for better awareness- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Useful

Not that Useful Not at all Useful

Don’t Know

All useful W1= 94% / All useful W2 = 92%

All not useful W1 = 5 % / All not useful W2 = 7%

Not at all UsefulNot that Useful

Don’t Know

Useful

Very Useful

46

11%

2%

6%

7%

47%

26%

3 in 4 would agree in theory to restrictions for reasons of conservation


10%

4%

3%

7%

57%19%

Wave 1 Wave 2

All Agree W1= 73% / All Agree W2 = 76%

All Disagree W1 = 18 % / All Disagree W2 = 14%

Q. If there were proposals to restrict access to certain parts of Malahide Estuary at certain times of the year, for reasons of conservation, to what extent would you agree or disagree with such a step?

Restricting access to Malahide Estuary- Wave 1 vs Wave 2

Agree Strongly

Agree Strongly

Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly

Disagree Slightly

Disagree Slightly

Neither agree nor

disagree

Neither agree nor

disagree

Don’t Know

Don’t Know

Agree Slightly Agree Slightly

47

Additional Comments

48

Comments regarding the Estuary

Positive Feedback • Great amenity (1%)

6% • Beautiful/very nice/peaceful place (7%)

4%

• Well kept/clean (3%) 2%

• Nice walkways/good for walking (3%) 2%

Negative Feedback• Litter/put better bins/clean up (10%)

15%

• Bad water quality (1%) 5%

• Lack of parking spaces/too narrow (3%) 4%

• Too much/bad traffic (2%) 4%

• More information/signage on area (2%) 4%

• Dogs dirt/mess (5%) 3%

• Bad walking paths (8%) 2%

• Bad cycle lanes (2%) 2%

• Remove graffiti/ broken bottles 2%

Other negative mentions (-1%):Toilets close too early in summer, Anti-social behaviour,Better marina layout, Too crowded, More safetymeasures/barriers along estuary, Ugly railing/shoulddisguise with plants/general maintenance improved, flies inthe evening, restrict horses to their proper time/horse dirt.

Base: All respondents who had other comments on the Estuary Wave 1 (n=142) and Wave 2 (n=172)

Q. Do you have any other comments you would like to make with regard to the Estuary?

Suggestions• More walkways around/ access to other side/

full circle walkway (1%) 4%

• More facilities (tables and seating) (3%) 3%

• Keep it safe/more garda patrols/lifeguards/ wardens (1%) 3%

• Should raise awareness of area/educate visitors (2%) 2%

Other suggestions (-1%):Could have exercise equipment available, More amenitiesfor water sports /boat hire, More lighting, Concern over thearea/should protect the wildlife and natural area, OpenDonabate beach to public, Proper park facilities for children.

(Scores from Wave 1)

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Selected Positive Comments & Suggestions

“I think that the whole essence of the Estuary should be preserved. I would not like to see it

become over-commercialised”

“The dog litter bins are very

good”

“The area is very peaceful. It’s nice to be able to come down and get some fresh

air”

“It’s absolutely beautiful. I give fair credit to all who are responsible for it”

“I like it the way it is”

“It strikes the right balance between conservatism and

water sports”“I like it, it’s great to have it”

“It’s a pleasant place”“It’s a good idea to

block off the beach to cars”

“It’s a really good walk”

“Just nice place to come for the scenery and the

water”

“I was just stopping off for a quick look around and to get

some fresh air. It’s a great place.”

“It would be good to have signs that

would explain birds migration

habits”

“Something needs to be done because the paths can get very flooded but we

like it that they aren’t tarmaced because they look more natural”

“They keep the place spotless. The toilets are

clean at Point 1”

“It’s great for the children”

“It is well looked after. Bins are

emptied regularly”

“Congratulations to the Fingal

County Council for the way they

maintain the Estuary”

“Keep it as it is, keep it safe”

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Selected Negative Comments

“The railings in some parts are ugly. Some planting should be used to hide them”

“The poor quality of the water is a disgrace. It is

a danger to health”

“The council are not making the best of the area. There should be more

cycle paths”

“More signage and more maintenance to remove graffiti from

the bridges”

“There should be higher barriers along the

Estuary, as during the storms the water comes

over the roads”

“The residents banned the use of power boats

which shouldn’t be allowed. Also I think

the swan population is getting out of control due to people over-

feeding them”

“The council should complete the walkway

from the Estuary to Swords”We need

more safety measures

for the kids. There’s a lot

of traffic speeding”

“More bins. There’s litter left behind. The Estuary

needs a clean up”

“There should be more dog

bins around. […] there are a lot of

dog walkers here”

“It would be good to have access to the other side of the Estuary by foot, maybe make a circuit and build a footbridge”

“Parking on grass should be

prohibited”

“There should be some markings to show where

the rocks are for the swimmers and a drinking

water tap”

“Horse-riding is not allowed on the beach but this law

isn’t enforced.”

“Paths need more lighting in the winter. There also needs to be

more car parking spaces”

“We need picnic tables and benches”

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4. Summary of Key Findings

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Research Conclusions

The Estuary is popular throughout the year amongst men and women, while the over 55s account for one third of all users.

– 70% of users are defined as falling into the ABC1 social classification category.

Approximately one-third of users are from Malahide and about one-fifth are from Swords. One in four are from other areas within the Fingal Co Co area.

– Users from Malahide tend to be older, while users from Swords tend to be younger, reflecting the likely demographic composition of those areas

– The proportion of users from Malahide/Swords increased during summer weekends (vs. weekdays).

The car is the most common means of transportation to the Estuary for c. 60% of users, with most others walking.

– Car usage is much higher among Swords residents, particularly inthe summer period, when 3 in 4 Malahide residents walk by comparison.

The Estuary is visited later in the day by many in the summer period, particularly younger users, taking advantage of extended daylight hours.

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Research Conclusions

The Estuary is visited primarily for walking, although slightly higher

proportions visit in the summer to simply relax or to feed water birds.

The main reasons users enjoy the Estuary are the scenery and fresh air,

although outdoor activities and nature pursuits appear more popular in

summer.

Litter is the main dislike, with minor concerns over traffic and parking.

All agree that the Estuary is an important area, with many citing that fact that it

is a free public amenity and its ecological and environmental importance.

Signage at the Estuary highlighting its importance as an area would be

welcomed by the majority of users.

Three-quarters of users would agree, in theory, to some restrictions for

reasons of conservation.

1 Fingal County Council Visitor/User Survey of Malahide Estuary - Survey Extension (Wave 2) Report...

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