Transcript Slide 1

Kildare Residents Satisfaction
Survey
A Presentation Prepared For
Kildare County Council
February 2005
By
BE/NOT
S4-001
Background & Objectives – Overview
Benchmark
Residents
Survey
2002
Residents
Satisfaction with
Service Provision
Update
Residents
Survey
2003
Council Image/ Public
Perceptions
Objectives
2004
-
Other Issues
Council Contact
Refuse Collection
Website
New Initiatives
2.
3.
C. Research Methodology – II
% Population
Actual Total
Weighted
Total %
2004
2002
1. Naas TC
71
67
11
12
2. Athy TC
72
22
4
3
3. Naas Rural
80
61
10
4
4. Athy Rural
74
40
7
9
5. Celbridge
64
71
12
11
6. Leixlip
80
95
16
21
7. Clane
81
100
17
16
8. Kildare
81
146
24
24
603
603
100
100

At the analysis stage, the data was re-weighted according to region in order
to reflect the actual proportion of the population within each of the regions.
(Data provided by Kildare Co. Co.)
Management Summary
5.
Section 1: Residents Profile & Demographics

The number of newer residents to Kildare has fallen back slightly
versus 2002 (19% to 14%) however remains extremely high versus
other Council areas (South Dublin 8%).
– The vast majority have moved to Kildare from other parts
of Ireland.
– Similar to 2002, the areas which have experienced the
greatest influx of new residents include – Kildare, Clane,
Naas TC.

Over half the resident population are engaged in full/part-time
employment.
– On a par with the national average
– Lower employment in Athy rural and Leixlip as per the
previous survey.
6.
Section 1: Residents Profile & Demographics



Questions were included on the most recent survey regarding
shopping behaviour – 28% of all shopping conducted by Kildare
Residents is done so outside the County. This rises to over 40%
for Celbridge and Leixlip residents – not surprisingly given their
proximity to Dublin.
The most popular destinations for non food shopping are all
outside the County:
– Liffey Valley
– Dublin City Centre
– Blanchardstown
Newbridge and Naas are ranked 4th and 5th respectively for non
food whilst being in 1st and 2nd place for food/grocery shopping.
7.
Section 2: National & Local Problems

The main areas identified for the Government to focus on a
National basis include:–
–
–
–
–
–


Health service/hospitals
Crime/law and order/vandalism
Roads/traffic congestion
Education & schools
Housing
Taxation
Crime and education & schools have increased in priority
importance versus 2002.
Childcare facilities emerged as a new issue – albeit ranked 8th,
childcare did not feature in the 2002 residents survey.
8.
Section 2: National & Local Problems

The most prominent local issues identified included:-
– Recreational facilities/amenities for youth
– Roads maintenance/repair
– Traffic congestion/delays

There was a significant increase in the proportion of residents
citing lack of recreational facilities as a key priority for
improvement – rendering it the most salient local issue for the
County.
9.
Section 2: National & Local Problems
Most Important Local Problems & Issues – Summary by Electoral Areas – I
Naas TC
1. Traffic congestion (21%)
2. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (18%)
3. Road maintenance (17%)
4. Footpath maintenance (14%)
5. Building/planning permission
(13%)
Athy TC
Leixlip
1. Traffic congestion near
schools (50%)
1. Crime vandalism/disorder
(20%)
2. Crime/vandalism/disorder
(31%)
2. Environment/pollution/litter
(16%)
3. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (28%)
3. Lack of recreational facilities
for youth (14%)
4. Building/planning permission
(15%)
4. Substance abuse/alcohol,
drugs (13%)
5. Road maintenance (13%)
5. Traffic congestion (11%)
Celbridge
1. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (34%)
2. Traffic congestion (22%)
3. Substance abuse/Alcohol,
Drugs (16%)
4. Road maintenance (9%)
5. Building/planning permission
(8%)
(Q.2)
10.
Section 2: National & Local Problems
Important Local Problems & Issues – Summary by Electoral Areas – II
Kildare
Clane
1. Road maintenance (32%)
1. Road maintenance (43%).
2. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (30%)
2. Lack of recreational facility for
youth (17%)
3. Traffic congestion (10%)
3. Building/planning permission (12%)
4. Lack of bus/public transport (9%)
4. Roads – speeding signs/safety for
kids (10%)
5. Roads – speeding signs/safety for
kids (7%)
Naas Rural
5. Traffic congestion (9%)
Athy Rural
1. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (26%)
1. Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth (19%)
2. Traffic congestion (20%)
2. Traffic congestion (Schools) (19%)
3. Road maintenance (16%)
3. Crime/vandalism/disorder of youth
(15%)
4. Building/planning permission (12%)
5. Environment/Pollution/litter (10%
4. Road maintenance/potholes (14%)
5. Building/planning permission (8%)
(Q.2)
11.
Section 2: National & Local Problems

A new question was included which identified what was important
in delivering Quality of Life in County Kildare and what was a
priority for improvement.
– Low level of crime, health services and road maintenance and
improvement considered fundamental in ensuring a good
quality of life.
– These three issues were also nominated as key areas for
improvement.
– The next priority identified included activities for
teenagers/youth and facilities for young children.
– Prioritisation varied by electoral area and reflects the
urban/rural divide.
12.
Section 2: National & Local Problems
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for Improvement – County Kildare
High
(Base: All Kildare residents excluding Naas/Athy UDC, aged 18+)
80
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
70
60
IMPORTANCE
Low level of crime
50
Health services
40
Road maintenance & improvement
30
Public transport
Shopping facilities
Facilities for young children
Affordable decent housing
Activities for teenagers/youth
Education provision
Low level of traffic congestion
Job prospects/employment
Parks and open spaces
Clean streets
Sports & leisure facilities
/litter control
Pavement/footpath repairs
Wage levels &
Parking facilities
local cost of living
Cultural facilities
Low levels
Community activities
of pollution
Race relations
LOW LEVERAGE
20
10
Low
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
0
0
Low
10
20
30
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
40
50
60
High
Section 3: Involvement in Community/Opinion
of Quality of Life in Kildare County




One in three Kildare residents claim to be involved in community,
voluntary or sporting organisations – almost identical to the
proportion recorded in 2002.
As per the last survey, involvement is more prevalent amongst
men and those from the higher socio-economic bracket, with the
average number hours remaining at 8.
There was an increase in involvement amongst Leixlip and Clane
residents, with a corresponding fallback in Naas TC and Celbridge.
– Involvement is dominated by sports related activities (GAA)
followed by community organisations.
The most salient features which encapsulate Kildare County’s
identity include:– Horse racing/equestrian pursuits/bloodstock
– The Curragh/landscape/scenery
– GAA/The Lillywhites
13.
Section 3: Involvement in Community/Opinion
of Quality of Life in Kildare County




The association with horse racing has become even more
pronounced than 2002.
Kildare is very positively viewed as a place to live, work, visit, do
business and learn.
Although there has been a minor fall off in the proportion of
residents giving the County the top score, the overall average
remains the same as 2002. It ranks ahead of South Dublin, Cork
City but marginally behind Co. Clare on the quality of life
measures.
Naas rural residents were more critical of the County in the most
recent survey, with all other regions very similar in their rating.
14.
Section 4: Knowledge of and Favourability
Towards Kildare County Council

Residents were quite critical of the Council regarding the amount
of information provided to residents regarding the Council’s
services and the benefits it provides:– One in three are satisfied with the level of information
provided whilst the remaining two thirds believe they
receive limited information/none at all.
– Athy urban and rural residents along with those in the
Leixlip area were the most satisfied with the amount of
information provided by the Council.

Despite the criticisms regarding information provision, a higher
proportion of residents claim to know a great deal/fair amount
about Kildare County Council versus 2002. Because of a
corresponding increase in those being very unfamiliar, the
average has remained the same (3.0) - on a par with other County
Councils.
15.
Section 4: Knowledge of and Favourability
Towards Kildare County Council




Interestingly, those living in the Naas urban region were one of the
most critical regarding the provision of information by Naas Town
Council – despite the fact the Council offices are located in the
town.
Other regions which had a high proportion of residents claiming to
receive limited/no information were Clane and Celbridge.
Demographically the younger age cohort feel least informed
overall.
The sense of affiliation with the County has increased, reflecting
the lower number of newer residents versus 2002.
Despite increased familiarity, a higher proportion of residents
claimed to be neutral towards the Council in terms of favourability
and satisfaction. This apathetic feeling was most pronounced in
Naas rural which fell back significantly versus 2002. As per the
last survey, Athy rural residents are the most positive overall.
16.
Section 5: Awareness & Satisfaction with Services/
Facilities Provided by Kildare County Council




Increased familiarity with the County Council has fuelled a
significant increase in spontaneous awareness of the services
provided by the Council.
The most notable increases noted were for:– Recycling/Civic Amenity Sites
– Footpaths
– Litter Control
However, all of the Top 10 services (with the exception of roads)
registered an increase in spontaneous awareness.
The primary areas which Kildare County Council are considered
responsible for include:– Refuse collection
– Roads – maintenance & improvement of road network
– Motor taxation
– Road safety & parking
– Street cleaning
– Street lighting
17.
Section 5: Awareness & Satisfaction with Services/
Facilities Provided by Kildare County Council



The secondary services associated with the Council include:– Footpaths
– Litter control
– Driver licensing
– Planning applications
– Recycling
– Local authority housing
– Housing and service development
Satisfaction has increased in the following areas:
– Driver licensing
– Recycling
– Motor Taxation
Satisfaction has fallen back for the majority of services with a
higher proportion falling into the neutral category rather than
giving a positive rating.
18.
Section 5: Awareness & Satisfaction with Services/
Facilities Provided by Kildare County Council

19.
The areas of highest dissatisfaction across the County (excluding
Naas TC/Athy TC), Naas TC and Athy TC include:% Very/Fairly Dissatisfied
Kildare County
Naas TC
Road maintenance/
improvement of road
network
56
50
Road safety/parking
Athy TC
Road maintenance &
improvement of road
network
81
Road safety & parking
73
Footpaths
35
Footpaths
*Community/youth
facilities
34
Housing & Service
development
44
*Playgrounds/Parks
34
Litter control
42
Housing & Service
development
32
Playgrounds/parks
38
38
Litter control
28
Sports/leisure facilities
Providing and
maintaining local
amenities
27
Community/youth
facilities
*Sports/leisure
facilities
27
53
33
Community/youth
facilities
38
Road maintenance &
improvement
36
Local authority
housing
35
Housing & service
development in area
Supporting community
& voluntary
organisations
33
Road safety & parking
26
16
Section 5: Awareness & Satisfaction with Services/
Facilities Provided by Kildare County Council

In contrast, Athy TC residents were generally more satisfied with
the Councils service provision since 2002, particularly in the
following areas:–
–
–
–
–
–

Litter control
Landfill sites
Public conveniences
Recycling
Tourism – assisting and attracting
Road safety & parking
Satisfaction amongst Athy TC residents has fallen back in relation
to:
– Swimming pool services
– Sewage disposal and drainage
– Control and monitoring lakes/waterways
20.
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Total Co. Co.
Excl. Naas & Athy
21.
(Base: All Kildare residents excl Naas & Athy UDC aged 18+)
High
90
Refuse Collection
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Footpaths
Roads - Maintenance and
Improvement of Road Network
80
HIGH LEVERAGE
Motor Taxation
Water Supplies
Street Lighting
Road Safety and Parking
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
70
Street Cleaning
Driver Licensing
Register of Electors/Elections
60
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Planning Applications and Development
50
Housing and Service Development
Library and Arts Services
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Sports/leisure facilities/events
Landfill Sites
40
Surface Water
Drainage
3.
Fire Services
5. 6.
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
1. 4. Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
2. Environment/pollution
Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc. 1. Dog Warden service
2. Development of local industry
Promoting the Development of the County
3. Local authority housing
Community/Youth Facilities
4. Promoting interests of local community
5. Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
& Leisure Areas
6. Supporting community and Voluntary
organisations
Swimming Pools
Public Conveniences
(Toilets)
30
20
10
Low
Recycling,
Litter Control
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
0
0
Low
10
20
30
40
50
60
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
70
80
90
High
22.
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Naas UDC
(Base: All Naas UDC residents aged 18+)
High
100
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Refuse Collection
90
Street Cleaning
Street Lighting
Footpaths
Road Safety and Parking
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
80
Motor Taxation
Litter Control
70
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement
of Road Network
Water Supplies
Recycling
60
Register of Electors/Elections
50
Driver Licensing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
40
Promoting the interests of the local community
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Sewage disposal/drainage
Surface water drainage
Tourism - Assisting and Attracting Tourism
Urban & village renewal schemes
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Landfill Sites
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Library and Arts Services
Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
Community/Youth Facilities
30Local Authority Housing
Dog Warden Service
Fire Services
Cemeteries
Planning applications
& development
2.
Environmental Information and Awareness
Swimming pools
Supporting community & voluntary organisations
Access for the Disabled
20 & monitoring lakes, etc.
Protecting the environment/controlling pollution
Control
1. Enforcement
of planning &
3.
environmental
issues
Civil Defence
Travelling community
6.
5.
Promoting the Development of the County
Heritage Services
Development of local industry
10
Grants for higher education
4.
LESS CRITICAL
Building Control
IMPROVEMENT
Low
LOW LEVERAGE
0
0
Low
10
20
30
40
50
60
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
70
80
High
23.
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Athy UDC
(Base: All Athy UDC residents aged 18+)
High
100
Water Supplies
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
90
Roads - Maintenance and
Improvement of Road Network
Road Safety and Parking
Footpaths
Refuse Collection
Litter Control
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
80
Motor Taxation
70
Recycling
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
60
Register of Electors/Elections
Driver Licensing
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
Swimming Pools
Protecting the Environment
Provide/maintain Local Amenities
Playgrounds/Parks
Library and Arts Services
Heritage Services
Fire Services
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
Promoting the Development of the County
Local Authority Housing
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Supporting Community & Voluntary Organisations
Development Of Local Industry
Community/Youth Facilities
Environmental Information
Landfill Sites
and Awareness
Planning Applications and Development
50
40
30
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
Grants for Higher Education
Surface Water Drainage
Tourism - Assisting and Attracting Tourism
Civil Defence
Building Control
Urban and Village Renewal Scheme
Access for the Disabled
Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc.
Dog Warden Service
20
10
Low
HIGH LEVERAGE
Street Lighting
Street Cleaning
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Travelling Community
0
20
Low
30
40
50
60
70
80
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
90
100
High
Section 6: Reasons for Dissatisfaction with
Services provided by Kildare County Council
Recycling/ Landfill Site/
Protecting the Environment
Including Controlling Pollution
and Litter Control/Refuse
Collection
Maintaining & Improving the
Roads/Road Safety & Parking

Roads in very bad condition

Footpaths in poor repair



More money needs to be
spent on roads
Insufficient traffic calming
schemes
Not enough public parking




Lack of recycling facilities/or
estates
Planning Applications
& Development


Need to control dumping
Recycling facilities not
emptied often enough
Landfill site is
smelly/unsightly
24.


Slow to grant permission
Restrictive planning/difficult
to get
Too much red tape
Haphazard/make inconsistent
decisions
Section 6: Reasons for Dissatisfaction with
Services provided by Kildare County Council
Housing and Service
Development in Your Area
Local Authority Housing




Not building enough houses
Don’t look after local
Authority Estates
Council handling anti-social
behaviour on estates
Housing schemes should be
smaller




Too many houses/too built up
No facilities for young people
in housing estates
Services not sufficient for
number of houses
Lack of planning
25.
Section 6: Reasons for Dissatisfaction with
Services provided by Kildare County Council
Promoting the
Interests of the Local
Community




Not enough information or
support available
Water Supplies

Inconsistent Water Quality

Poor water pressure
Local community can’t get
funding

Not enough support for
voluntary organisations

Not enough staff/human
resource support
Lack of prior notice about
disruptions
Intermittent pressure
26.
Section 7: Contact with Kildare County
Council/Naas/Athy TC




Over 1 in 2 Kildare residents have contacted the Council in the
past 5 years – an increase on the 2002 incidence.
Contact through an intermediary (County Councillor) has doubled
from 12% to 24% - This is undoubtedly being driven by the
elections in 2004.
The predominant method of contact remains ‘in person’ (63%)
followed by telephone and contact by letter. Email contact has
increased from 1% - 7% since 2002.
The main reasons for contacting the Council relate to
–
–
–
–

Motor Tax
Housing Enquiry/Repairs
Planning Permission
Road Repairs
Satisfaction with the Councils handling of the enquiry/problem has
improved since 2002, with 66% very/fairly satisfied. Amongst the
minority dissatisfied (20%) the main reason cited was the lack of
action/response.
27.
28.
Section 8: Other Issues



The 2004 survey registered an even stronger preference amongst
residents for the Council offices to be open at lunchtime and late
evening.
Approximately one in three (38%) residents claimed to be aware of
Kildare County Council website with 12% having visited the site.
This is significantly higher than South Dublin County Council (25%
aware/7% ever visited).
The most popular services which residents would avail of the
website include
–
–
–
–
Pay for Motor Tax on-line
Look up information on services
Download application forms
Review planning applications
29.
Section 8: Other Issues


Three quarters of all residents believe the County Council provide
their refuse collection service – overall satisfaction remains
extremely high.
Approximately 1 in 5 residents were aware of the following Kildare
County Council initiatives
– Kildare County Enterprise Board
– Thoroughbred Co. Logo
– Kildare County Development Board

The most interest was expressed in finding out more on the
following
–
–
–
–
–
Kildare County Enterprise Board
Kildare County Development Board
Co. Kildare Community & Voluntary Forum
Kildare Sports Partnership
Kildare County Childcare Committee
30.
Section 8: Other issues
(Base: All Kildare County residents)
Sources of Information Regarding Kildare County Council
Where Currently Obtained
Local newspapers, e.g. Leinster
Leader, Kildare Times, etc.
Would like to get information
60 Athy Urban
Kildare
40
32
40
Local radio
47 Athy Urban
25
Leaflets delivered to your door
21
Friends & neighbours
6
15
Leaflets & notice boards in libraries
9
Leaflets & notice boards in other
public council public buildings
9
Website: www.kildare.ie
7
8
Contact with Council staff
7
7
21
High desire for increased information in the form of leaflets
(Q.40a/b)
Section 9: Overall Satisfaction with Kildare
County Council/ Naas/Athy TC

Overall satisfaction with Kildare County Council has improved on
the following dimensions
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Ease of contact
Quality of service
Community development
How the Council account for money
The amount of information they provide
The Council being perceived as modern and progressive
The Council being perceived as open and transparent
There has been a fall off in residents who agree that the Council
provide very good value for money – however the average remains
the same as 2002 because of the movement into neutral/don’t
know.
31.
SECTION 1:
Residents Profile and
Demographics
33.
Length of Time Living in County Kildare
Total 2004
%
*Less than 5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
14
7
7
Total 2002
%
Lived Elsewhere for a Year or More
%
19
28
TOTAL
8
83
Elsewhere in Ireland
11
14
Lived in Britain
72
20 years+/
All Life
62
10
Lived elsewhere abroad
Not lived anywhere else
3
Higher proportion of residents claiming to have lived in Kildare 20+ years
* Comparable figure for South Dublin 8%.
34.
Length of Time Living in County Kildare
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
2004
2002
% Moved to area in past 5 years
14
Total
19
14
Total Co. Co.
18
20
Naas TC
Athy TC
24
5
13
10
12
Naas Rural
Athy Rural
Celbridge
Leixlip
Kildare
Clane
Greatest influx of
new residents
5
10
11
13
13
20
17
21
19
20
(Q.4a)
35.
Place of Work
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
Location of Work
(Base: All working full/part time – 54%)
Work Status
%
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
Newbridge
8
Leixlip
7
Kildare Town
6
54%
Outside County
6
[56%]
Athy
5
Housewife
24%
15 (+4)
Naas
Work Full-time
43%
Not Working/ 22%
Students/Retired
24
Total Dublin
11%
Higher in:
- Naas Urban
- Naas Rural
- Clane
ROI % Working Full/Part Time = 53%
9
Dublin City Centre
Work Part-time
[ ] = 2002
(-4)
Dublin West
5
Dublin North
4
6
Dublin South
Rathangan
4
Maynooth
3
Monasterevin
3
Celbridge
2
Portlaoise
2
Robertstown
2
(Q.5)
36.
Where Conduct Food Shopping
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
%
Newbridge
28
Naas
25
Maynooth
11
Leixlip
11
Local Village/Town
10
Outside County
6
Blanchardstown
5
Athy
5
Kildare Town
5
Celbridge
5
Clane
4
Monasterevin
4
Lucan
2
Carlow
2
Other
19
(Q.13a)
37.
Where Conduct Non-Food Shopping
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
%
Liffey Valley
35
Dublin City Centre
28
Blanchardstown
27
Newbridge
27
Naas
20
Leixlip
6
Outside County
5
Tallaght
3
Local Village/Town
2
Monasterevin
2
Portlaoise
2
Kildare Town
2
Other
Outside
County
6
(Q.13a)
38.
% Shopping in Kildare Vs Outside Kildare
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
Regional
Total
Athy
Urban
%
%
Total
Naas
Urban Co. Co.
%
%
Athy
Rural
Celbridge
Naas
Rural
Leixlip
Clane
Kildare
%
%
%
%
%
%
53
58
% Kildare
72
74
77
71
66
79
87
47
42
% Outside Kildare
28
26
23
29
13
83
34
21
17
Celbridge and Leixlip residents choosing to shop outside County
(Q.13c)
SECTION 2:
National & Local Issues
Priorities for Improvement
Problems/Issues Would Like Government
to Concentrate On – Top 10 – I
40.
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Rank in
2002
2004
1st Mention
Health service/hospitals
1
Crime/law and order/vandalism
3
Roads/traffic congestion
2
11
Education & Schools
5
7
Housing
6
7
Taxation
8
3
21
Unemployment/jobs
4
2
20
Childcare facilities
=
3
15
Refugees/Asylum seekers/Race
Relations/Immigrants
7
2
13
Environmental issues
9
2
All others 1% or less
Total Mentions
37
75
17
55
49
36
Increased in
importance
versus 2002
26
13
Health services remain the top priority Kildare Residents would like the
government to concentrate on.
(Q.1)
Important Local Problems & Issues – I –
Verbatim Responses
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
23
8
21
24
Roads – maintenance/repair (potholes)
16
Traffic congestion – near schools/delays/delays due
to roadworks
Building/planning permission
Crime/Vandalism/Disorder of youth
Substance abuse – Alcohol (underage drinking)/
drugs (should be a drugs awareness programme in
local areas)
Roads – speeding, signs, safety for kids
Footpaths – Maintenance
Lack of bus/public transport – commuting is
chaos/lack of frequency of trains
Environment/Pollution/litter
Lack of parking/to narrow to park/disc
parking/disabled
2004
2002
Higher In
%
Recreational facilities/amenities for youth e.g. parks,
playgrounds, community centre
41.
5
22
9
8
10
7
7
6
4
6
4
5
3
5
5
4
8
Recreational facilities for youth and road maintenance/traffic congestion are
the most salient local issues across the County.
(Q.2)
Most Important Local Problems & Issues –
Summary by Electoral Areas – I
42.
Naas TC
%
21
Traffic congestion
Lack of recreational
facilities/amenities for youth
18
Road maintenance
17
Footpath maintenance
14
Building/planning permission
13
Athy TC
%
Traffic congestion near
schools
50
Crime/vandalism/disorder
31
Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth
Building/planning permission
Road maintenance
28
15
13
Most Important Local Problems & Issues –
Summary by Electoral Areas – II
Leixlip
43.
%
20
Crime vandalism/disorder
Environment/pollution/litter
16
Lack of recreational facilities
for youth
14
Substance abuse/alcohol,
drugs
13
Traffic congestion
11
Celbridge
%
Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth
34
Traffic congestion
22
Substance abuse/alcohol,
drugs
16
Road maintenance
9
Building/planning permission
8
(Q.2)
Most Important Local Problems & Issues –
Summary by Electoral Areas – III
Kildare
44.
%
32
Road maintenance
Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth
30
Traffic congestion
10
Lack of bus/public transport
9
Roads – speeding signs/
safety for kids
7
Clane
%
43
Road maintenance
Lack of recreational facilities
for youth
17
Building/planning permission
12
Roads – speeding signs/
safety for kids
10
Traffic congestion
9
(Q.2)
Most Important Local Problems & Issues –
Summary by Electoral Areas – IV
Naas Rural
Athy Rural
%
Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth
26
Traffic congestion
20
Road maintenance
Building/planning permission
Environment/pollution/litter
16
12
10
%
Lack of recreational facilities/
amenities for youth
19
Traffic congestion (schools)
19
Crime/vandalism/disorder of
youth
15
Road maintenance/potholes
14
Building/planning permission
45.
8
(Q.2)
Kildare Quality of Life – Key Drivers
46.
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
Most Important
%
Needs Improvement
%
53
Low level of crime
35
37
46
Health services
41
Road maintenance & improvement
41
Public transport
29
Affordable decent housing
27
19
Shopping facilities
26
19
Activities for teenagers/youth
24
Education provision
23
Facilities for young children
23
27
Low level of traffic congestion
23
26
Job prospects/employment
21
22
33
16
18
Aspects Which Make Kildare Somewhere a Good Place to
Live/Learn/Work/Visit/Do Business
(Q.25/26)
Kildare Quality of Life – Key Drivers
47.
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
Most Important
Needs Improvement
%
%
Parks and open spaces
21
Pavement/footpath repairs
17
Sports & leisure facilities
15
17
23
19
Clean streets/litter control
12
10
Parking facilities
10
12
Cultural facilities
9
13
Wage levels & local cost of living
9
8
Low levels of pollution
8
7
Community activities
8
Race relations
2
10
6
Aspects Which Make Kildare Somewhere a Good Place to
Live/Learn/Work/Visit/Do Business
(Q.21a/b)
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement – Total Kildare
48.
(Base: All Kildare County Council residents aged 18+)
High
80
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
70
60
IMPORTANCE
Low level of crime
50
Health services
Road maintenance & improvement
40
30
Public transport
Affordable decent housing
Low level of traffic congestion
Shopping facilities
Activities for teenagers/youth
Education provision
Facilities for young children
Parks and open spaces
Job prospects/employment
20
Pavement/footpath repairs
Sports & leisure facilities
Clean streets/litter control
Wage levels &
Parking facilities
10 local cost of living
Cultural facilities
Low levels of pollution
Community activities
Low
LOW LEVERAGE
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
Race relations
0
0
Low
10
20
30
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
40
50
60
High
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement– Naas UDC
49.
(Base: All Naas UDC Residents, aged 18+)
High
80
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Health services (86, 70)
70
60
IMPORTANCE
Road maintenance & improvement
50
Low level of crime
40
Public transport
30
Affordable decent housing
Education provision
20
Activities for teenagers/youth
Facilities for young children
Clean streets/litter control
Shopping facilities
Job prospects/employment
Parking facilities
Sports & leisure facilities
10
Community activities
Low
Pavement/footpath repairs
Parks and open spaces
Low level of traffic congestion
Cultural facilities
Wage levels & local cost of living
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
0
0
Low levels of pollution
Race relations 10
Low
20
30
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
40
50
60
High
SECTION 3:
Involvement in Community/
Opinion of Quality of Life in
Kildare County
Involvement in Community, Voluntary or Sporting
Organisations x Authorities & Demographics
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
%
30
31
Sex
Female
31
30
Total Co. Co.
21
Naas TC
18-24
25-34
Electoral Region
Celbridge
Leixlip
Kildare
Clane
35-49
12
10
24
24
30
50+
26
32
29
34
30
30
32
30
Class
43
40
38
39
ABC1/F50+
29
22
33
32
25
25
Age
36
28
33
Athy TC
Naas Rural
37
38
Male
Authorities
Athy Rural
2004
2002
%
Any Involvement
52.
C2DE/F50-
26
23
Dependent Children
51
Yes
33
30
(Q.6a)
53.
Local Organisations Involved With
%
60
Any Sport
Any Community
37
Any Voluntary
Any Recreation
11
4
(Q.6b/7)
Average Time Involved in Community/
Voluntary Organisations
54.
(Base: All who are involved in community/voluntary/sporting organisations – 30%
Average number of hours volunteer/participate in a month
2004
2002
1-2 hours
9
10
3-4 hours
14
17
5-6 hours
11
7-10 hours
18
14
11+ hours
45
46
Don’t know/can’t think
3
8
2
8
Ave. No. of Hours
11
(Q.6b/7)
What is Most Associated with County
Kildare?
Any Horses
Any Landscape/
Scenery
Any Sport
65%
33%
30%
9%
Any Industry
More
pronounced
since 2002
55.
56.
What Most Associated with County Kildare
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
%
ANY HORSES
Horses/equestrian pursuits/breeding
Horse racing/The racy crowd
Studs – National, etc.
6
Punchestown
1
ANY SPORT
GAA/The Lillywhites
Sport
Mondello
K-Club/Golf
Naas Swimming Pool
Punchestown
All others 1% or less
%
65
35
24
30
20
3
3
2
1
1
ANY LANDSCAPE/SCENERY
The Curragh
Japanese Gardens
Scenery/Greenery
Plains of Kildare
Tourism
History/heritage sites
33
21
4
3
2
1
2
ANY INFRASTRUCTURE/INDUSTRY
Newbridge Silver
Farmland/dairy
Industry – Intel
Proximity to Dublin
Growth & Population/Prosperity
Traffic/bad roads
Infrastructure – potholes
9
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
(Q.2)
57.
Rating of County Kildare on Quality of Life
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
A Place to …
Live
Work
2004 2002
%
%
2004 2002
%
%
39
Very Good (5)
50
55
36
Fairly Good (4)
36
35
Do Business
2004 2002
%
%
45
45
2004 2002
%
%
36
37
34
33
15
16
41
Learn
2004
%
44
34
38
29
16
Average (3)
Fairly Poor (2)
Very Poor (1)
Mean: Kildare
South Dublin
Cork City
42
Visit
12
10
2 2 22
4.4
4.4
3.9
4.2
-
5
1
3
4.1
3.7
4.1
12
4
1
7
4.2
-
3
3
1 2 13
4.2 4.2
3.6
3.8
-
20
16
5
13
4
1 2
4.1 4.1
3.7 3.9 -
Slight decline in those rating Kildare as a “very good” place to live, work and do
business but overall average remains the same
14
3
1–
4.2
3.8
3.9
(Q.8)
SECTION 4:
Knowledge of &
Favourability Towards
Kildare County
Rating Level of Information Provided to Residents
Regarding Kildare C.C. Services and Benefits
59.
(Base: All Kildare County residents age 18+)
Regional Analysis
Keeps us well informed (4)
Total
Athy
Urban
%
7
%
5
Naas
Total
Urban Co. Co.
%
13
%
7
Athy
Rural
Celbridge
Naas
Rural
%
9
%
2
%
–
17
23
Keeps us fairly well
informed (3)
14
27
Leixlip
Clane
Kildare
%
%
2
%
5
21
17
27
37
36
20
57
Gives us only a limited
amount of information (2)
36
24
24
29
31
24
22
16
30
57
Doesn’t tell us much at all
about what it does (1)
39
26
49
37
38
44
29
18
Don’t know
3
11
1
Mean score
2.0
2.6
–
1.9
3
7
2.0
2.4
9
–
1.8
1.8
36
5
4
2.5
1.6
Naas Urban, Celbridge and Clane residents feel less well
informed about County Council services than their regional counterparts.
–
2.1
(Q.37)
Rating Level of Information Provided to Residents
Regarding Kildare C.C. Services and Benefits
60.
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
Satisfaction x Demographics
SEX
TOTAL
Keeps us well informed (4)
Keeps us fairly well
informed (3)
%
7
AGE
Male Female
%
6
%
8
18-24
%
3
25-34 35-49
%
6
CLASS
50+
ABC1/ C2DE/
F50+ F50-
%
9
%
8
%
8
27
33
30
%
7
17
27
26
24
28
26
28
Gives us only a limited
amount of information (2)
24
29
26
20
22
24
Doesn’t tell us much at all
about what it does (1)
Don’t know
Mean
39
36
3
2.0
3
2.0
41
3
2.0
47
4
1.8
40
4
2.0
38
3
2.1
24
35
37
1
2.1
2
2.1
24
39
3
2.0
Younger residents typically feel more disconnected from the workings of the Council.
(Q.37)
61.
Familiarity with Kildare County Council
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Kildare Authorities
Know a great
deal about (5)
Know a fair
amount (4)
Know just a little (3)
Heard of – but know
nothing about (2)
Never heard of (1)
Mean Score
South Dublin
Cork City
Co. Council Electoral Regions
Total
2004
Total
2002
Naas
TC
Athy
TC
%
3
%
3
%
%
1
%
–
17
23
22
48
27
14
26
3.0
2.9
3.1
%
8
%
2
11
%
1
21
20
60
60
50
70
57
39
23
24
–
3.0
-
20
–
–
–
3.0
3.1
3.1
3.0
3.1
3.2
44
%
5
%
1
21
30
44
46
31
12
–
Athy
Cel- Naas
Rural bridge Rural Leixlip Clane Kildare
26
2
1
3.1
2.9
2.9
3.1
34
–
2.9
2.8
High levels of unfamiliarity among Celbridge and Leixlip residents.
28
2
3.0
3.1
23
–
3.1
2.8
(Q.10a)
62.
Familiarity x Demographics
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Least Familiar


18-24
C2DE
Most Familiar


35-49
ABC1
(Q.10a)
63.
Sense of Affiliation
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Belonging to …
Very Strongly (4)
Neighbourhood
Town
2004
%
2002
%
2004
%
49
45
46
The County
2002
%
2004
%
2002
%
47
42
37
38
Fairly Strongly (3)
35
38
Not Very Strongly (2)
13
Not at all Strongly (1)
No opinion/Don’t know
9
3
1
Mean Score: Kildare
South Dublin
3.3
3.2
4
3
3.3
-
39
32
37
16
10
4
1
3.1
3.1
7
3
3.1
-
16
10
4
2
3.3
3.0
6
3
3.1
-
Higher affiliation with Town and County
(Q.3)
64.
Favourability with Kildare County Council
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Very favourable (5)
Total
2004
Total
2002
%
6
%
6
Kildare Authorities
Naas Athy
TC
TC
%
1
–
31
Fairly favourable (4)
31
%
1
Co. Council Electoral Regions
Athy
Cel- Naas
Rural bridge Rural Leixlip Clane Kildare
%
9
%
9
%
2
%
3
%
2
25
24
31
40
%
1
35
31
39
47
55
No opinion/
Don’t know (3)
48
38
60
31
46
66
44
45
30
Fairly unfavourable
(2)
Very unfavourable
(1)
Mean Score
South Dublin
Cork City
10
14
14
1
3.3
3.3
12
11
14
9
25
–8
11
7
5
5
5
3
3
3.2
3.2
3.3
3.5
3.3
3.1
3.1
3.0
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.6
3.4
3.6
3.2
3.3
3.5
3.5
Higher proportion of residents claiming to be neutral – Clane & Naas rural more
negative than other regions.
2
6
3.4
3.2
(2004)
(2002)
(Q.10b)
65.
Satisfaction with Kildare County Council
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Kildare Authorities
Very satisfied (5)
Total
2004
Total
2002
Naas
TC
Athy
TC
%
7
%
8
%
–1
%
1–
33
Fairly satisfied (4)
Co. Council Electoral Regions
Athy
Cel- Naas
Rural bridge Rural Leixlip Clane Kildare
%
12
%
%
2
%
4
%
5
%
11
38
25
17
24
29
35
32
43
28
53
47
No opinion/
Don’t know (3)
51
39
52
44
29
27
58
41
19
Fairly dissatisfied
(2)
Very dissatisfied
(1)
Mean Score
South Dublin
Cork City
11
14
6
6
3.3
3.3
3.5
3.4
–
–
14
3.3
3.2
22
17
12
3
3.1
3.3
4
6
8
5
3.6
3.7
3.4
3.3
3.0
3.6
11
20
11
10
3.1
3.2
3.1
3.5
Higher proportion claiming to be neutral in most recent survey.
5
1
3.4 (2004)
3.4 (2002)
(Q.11)
SECTION 5:
Awareness & Satisfaction
with Services/Facilities
Provided by Kildare County
Council
Spontaneous Awareness of Services
Provided by Kildare County Council – I
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+ excl. Naas & Athy TC)
1st Mention
Refuse collection
Roads – maintenance & improvement of road
network
Motor taxation
Road safety & parking
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Footpaths
Litter control
Driver licensing
Planning applications & development
14
15
15
Recycling (Civic Amenity Sites)
–
Local Authority Housing (e.g. voluntary social &
4
6
shared housing)
6
Housing & service development in your area
–
Fire Services
2
–6
2004
2002
Total Mentions
56
51
54
37
9
2
5
2
1
7
2
7
1
3
1
3
1
4
2
2
67.
39
29
35
24
18
16
14
14
9
71
31
Top six Services
30
29
26
24
22
22
18
20
Secondary Services Associated
19
24
19
11
17
Significant increase in awareness of services offered by the Council.
(Q.14)
Spontaneous Awareness of Services
Provided by Kildare County Council – II
68.
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+ excl. Naas & Athy TC)
Total Mentions
Sewage disposal/drainage
Playgrounds/parks/open spaces
12
Library & arts services
11
Surface water drainage
Protecting the environment/controlling
pollution
Promoting the development of the county
Register of electors/elections
Providing & maintaining local amenities
& leisure areas
Landfill sites
11
Public conveniences/toilets
5
10
Tourism – assisting & attracting tourism
5
10
Building control (e.g. Fire certs)
4
Community Youth Facilities
Enforcement of planning &
environmental issues
Swimming pools
9
Environmental Information & Awareness
4
9
4
Cemeteries & burial grounds
8
Sports/Leisure facilities & events
8
Grants for higher education
Promoting the interests of the local
community
Supporting community & voluntary
organisations
Travelling community
Urban & Village renewal scheme
7
Access for the disabled
3
Dog warden service
7
3
Heritage services
Industry/development of local industry/
local economic development
6
Civil defence
Control & monitoring lakes, waterways,
rivers, streams, bathing areas
Other
15
9
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
3
3
(Q.14)
Spontaneous Awareness of Services
Provided by TC’s – III
69.
(Base: All Naas & Athy Residents aged 18+)
Total Mentions
Naas TC
Athy TC
Heritage services
11
13
Access for the disabled
10
11
Landfill sites
8
Promoting the interests of the local community
8
Surface water drainage
Control & monitoring lakes, waterways, rivers,
streams, bathing areas
Enforcement of planning & environmental
issues
Grants for higher education
Industry/development of local industry/local
economic development
Public conveniences (toilets)
Protecting the environment/controlling
pollution
Promoting the development of the county
8
–
7
1
6
Environmental information & awareness
6
Building control (e.g. fire certs)
4
Dog warden service
4
15
25
7
29
7
8
7
28
7
36
7
36
25
19
10
4
(Q.14)
Overall Usage of Services – I
(Base: All Kildare County Residents)
100%
Refuse collection, 90
Road maintenance, 83
Footpaths, 81
Primary
Driving licensing, 68
Motor Taxation, 80
Water Supplies, 78
Street Lighting, 76
Road safety/parking, 74
Street cleaning, 68
Litter control, 66
Recycling, 68
Electors/Elections, 60
Sewage /drainage, 58
Secondary
Planning apps/dev, 48
Housing/svc dev., 46
Playgrounds/parks, 44
Fire services, 40
Library & arts svcs, 43
Sport/leisure facil., 40
40%
70.
Overall Usage of Services – III
(Base: All Kildare County Residents)
40%
Housing, 39
Tertiary
Cemeteries , 35
Community Ints, 32
Enforce planning, 31
Dev of Local Ind, 31
Surface drainage, 39
Landfill sites, 38
Amenities, 36
Community orgs, 35
Protecting the env., 35
Swimming pools, 33
Comm facilities, 32
Environmental info, 31 Dog Warden, 31
Toilets, 30
Control lakes, etc., 29
County Dev., 27
Heritages services, 23
Urban/village renew, 21
Higher ed. Grants, 21
Tourism, 21
Building control, 17
Disabled access, 15
Civil defence, 14
Travelling comm, 13
0%
71.
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction – Kildare
County Residents (excl. Naas, Athy TC)
% Very/Fairly Dissatisfied
Road maintenance/improvement of
road network
50
Footpaths
*Community/youth facilities
Litter control
Providing and maintaining local
amenities
*Sports/leisure facilities
* New services included in 2004 survey
=
=
35
(+16%)
34
N/A
34
*Playgrounds/Parks
Housing & Service development
Versus 2002
56
Road safety/parking
72.
32
N/A
(+21%)
28
(+8%)
27
(+10%)
27
N/A
Dissatisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council 2004 vs 2002 (+/- 5%) – I
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
Highest
Satisfaction
Ranked in
order of
average
satisfaction
(highest to
lowest)
Higher in
2004
Driver licensing
Cemeteries and burial grounds
Fire services
Motor taxation
Refuse collection
Water supplies
Library and arts
Register of electors
Building control
Recycling
Civil defence
Heritage services
Sewage disposal
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Control and monitoring lakes
Industry development
Environmental information and awareness
Promoting the development of the county
Surface water drainage
Higher in
2002
9
–
5
5
6
–
–
% Fairly/Very
Dissatisfied
7
–
5
–
–
–
–
8
–
7
15
11
–
73.
Dissatisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council 2004 vs 2002 (+/- 5%) – I
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
Higher in
2004
Ranked in
order of
average
satisfaction
(highest to
lowest)
Lowest
Satisfaction
Tourism
7
Dog warden service
11
Grants for higher education
Litter control
8
Local authority housing
Promoting interests of locals
13
Protecting the environment
10
Supporting community and voluntary organisations 14
Urban and village renewal scheme
7
Enforcement of planning
11
Footpaths
16
Housing and service development
21
Landfill sites
11
Planning applications
8
Public conveniences
8
Travelling community
Providing & maintaining local amenities
10
Swimming pools
17
Road safety and parking
Road maintenance
Higher in
2002
–
–
% Fairly/Very
Dissatisfied
–
–
–
No change on
two key issues
74.
Overall Satisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council (excl. Naas/Athy TC)
75.
Very Satisfied – Summary Mean Scores
4.0
Driver licensing, 4
Motor taxation, 3.8
Refuse collection, 3.8
Cemeteries, 3.8
Fire services, 3.8
Water supplies, 3.7
Register electors, 3.6
Library and arts, 3.6
Building control , 3.5
Recycling, 3.5
Street lighting, 3.4
Street cleaning, 3.4
Sewage disposal, 3.4 Civil defence, 3.4
Disabled access, 3.4 Heritage services, 3.4
3.4
Overall Satisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council (excl. Naas/Athy TC)
Fairly Satisfied/Neutral – Summary Mean Scores
Industry dev., 3.3
County Dev., 3.2
Surface drainage, 3.2
Litter control, 3.1
Higher ed grants, 3.1
Housing, 3.1
76.
3.4
Control Lakes, 3.3
Tourism, 3.2
Environmental info, 3.2
Renewal scheme, 3.1 Environment, 3.1
Support vol orgs, 3.1
Dog warden, 3.1
Local comm ints, 3.1
Planning, 3
3.0
Overall Satisfaction with Service Provided
by Kildare County Council
Very Dissatisfied – Summary Mean Scores
Public conv., 2.9
Landfill sites, 2.9
Planning apps, 2.9
Travelling comm., 2.9
Footpaths, 2.9
Housing/svc dev, 2.9
Sports facilities, 2.8
Local amenities, 2.8
Swimming pools, 2.8
Comm facilities, 2.6
Playgrounds parks, 2.6
77.
3.0
Road safety/parking, 2.5
Roads, 2.3
0
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Total Co. Co.
Excl. Naas & Athy
78.
(Base: All Kildare residents excl Naas & Athy UDC aged 18+)
High
90
Refuse Collection
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Footpaths
Roads - Maintenance and
Improvement of Road Network
80
HIGH LEVERAGE
Motor Taxation
Water Supplies
Street Lighting
Road Safety and Parking
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
70
Street Cleaning
Recycling,
Register of Electors/Elections
60
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Planning Applications and Development
50
Housing and Service Development
Library and Arts Services
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Sports/leisure facilities/events
Landfill Sites
40
Surface Water
Drainage
3.
Fire Services
5. 6.
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
1. 4. Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
2. Environment/pollution
Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc. 1. Dog Warden service
2. Development of local industry
Promoting the Development of the County
3. Local authority housing
Community/Youth Facilities
4. Promoting interests of local community
5. Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
& Leisure Areas
6. Supporting community and Voluntary
organisations
Swimming Pools
Public Conveniences
(Toilets)
30
20
10
Low
Driver Licensing
Litter Control
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
0
0
Low
10
20
30
40
50
60
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
70
80
90
High
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction – Naas Town
Council
% Very/Fairly
Dissatisfied
Comparison
With 2002
%
Road maintenance & improvement of
road network
81
Road safety & parking
73
Footpaths
53
(+37%)
(+5%)
(+23%)
Housing & Service development
44
N/A
Litter control
42
(-2%)
Playgrounds/parks
38
N/A
Sports/leisure facilities
38
N/A
Community/youth facilities
33
N/A
79.
80.
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Naas UDC
(Base: All Naas UDC residents aged 18+)
High
100
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Refuse Collection
90
Street Cleaning
Street Lighting
Footpaths
Road Safety and Parking
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
80
Motor Taxation
Litter Control
70
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement
of Road Network
Water Supplies
Recycling
60
Register of Electors/Elections
50
Driver Licensing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
40
Promoting the interests of the local community
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Sewage disposal/drainage
Surface water drainage
Tourism - Assisting and Attracting Tourism
Urban & village renewal schemes
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Landfill Sites
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Library and Arts Services
Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
Community/Youth Facilities
30Local Authority Housing
Dog Warden Service
Fire Services
Cemeteries
Planning applications
& development
2.
Environmental Information and Awareness
Swimming pools
Supporting community & voluntary organisations
Access for the Disabled
20 & monitoring lakes, etc.
Protecting the environment/controlling pollution
Control
1. Enforcement
of planning &
3.
environmental
issues
Civil Defence
Travelling community
6.
5.
Promoting the Development of the County
Heritage Services
Development of local industry
10
Grants for higher education
4.
LESS CRITICAL
Building Control
IMPROVEMENT
Low
LOW LEVERAGE
0
0
Low
10
20
30
40
50
60
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
70
80
High
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction – Athy Town
Council
Comparison
With 2002
%
38
Community/youth facilities
N/A
Road maintenance & improvement
36
(-1%)
Local authority housing
35
(+20%)
Housing & service development in area
33
Supporting community & voluntary
organisations
Road safety & parking
26
16
(+27%)
N/A
(-15%)
81.
82.
Strategic Improvement Matrix – Athy UDC
(Base: All Athy UDC residents aged 18+)
High
100
Water Supplies
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
90
Roads - Maintenance and
Improvement of Road Network
Road Safety and Parking
Footpaths
Refuse Collection
Litter Control
% PERSONALLY BENEFIT
80
Motor Taxation
70
Recycling
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
60
Register of Electors/Elections
Driver Licensing
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
Swimming Pools
Protecting the Environment
Provide/maintain Local Amenities
Playgrounds/Parks
Library and Arts Services
Heritage Services
Fire Services
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
Promoting the Development of the County
Local Authority Housing
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Supporting Community & Voluntary Organisations
Development Of Local Industry
Community/Youth Facilities
Environmental Information
Landfill Sites
and Awareness
Planning Applications and Development
50
40
30
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
Grants for Higher Education
Surface Water Drainage
Tourism - Assisting and Attracting Tourism
Civil Defence
Building Control
Urban and Village Renewal Scheme
Access for the Disabled
Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc.
Dog Warden Service
20
10
Low
HIGH LEVERAGE
Street Lighting
Street Cleaning
LESS CRITICAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Travelling Community
0
20
Low
30
40
50
60
70
80
PERFORMANCE - % VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
90
100
High
SECTION 6:
Reasons for Dissatisfaction
with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Services
provided by Kildare County Council
Recycling/ Landfill Site/
Protecting the Environment
Including Controlling Pollution
and Litter Control/Refuse
Collection
Maintaining & Improving the
Roads/Road Safety & Parking

Roads in very bad condition

Footpaths in poor repair



More money needs to be
spent on roads
Insufficient traffic calming
schemes
Not enough public parking




Lack of recycling facilities/or
estates
Planning Applications
& Development


Need to control dumping
Recycling facilities not
emptied often enough
Landfill site is
smelly/unsightly
84.


Slow to grant permission
Restrictive planning/difficult
to get
Too much red tape
Haphazard/make inconsistent
decisions
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Services
provided by Kildare County Council
Housing and Service
Development in Your Area
Local Authority Housing




Not building enough houses
Don’t look after local
Authority Estates
Council handling anti-social
behaviour on estates
Housing schemes should be
smaller




Too many houses/too built up
No facilities for young people
in housing estates
Services not sufficient for
number of houses
Lack of planning
85.
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Services
provided by Kildare County Council
Promoting the
Interests of the Local
Community




Not enough information or
support available
Water Supplies

Inconsistent Water Quality

Poor water pressure
Local community can’t get
funding

Not enough support for
voluntary organisations

Not enough staff/human
resource support
Lack of prior notice about
disruptions
Intermittent pressure
86.
SECTION 7:
Contact with Kildare County
Council/Naas/Athy TC
Any Direct Contact with Kildare County
Council in Past 5 Years
88.
(Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
X Regions
%
Any direct contact with
the council in last 5
years
Athy Urban
46
Naas Urban
YES
42%
58%
(40%)
Athy Rural
65
46
66
Celbridge
Naas Rural
54
Leixlip
56
Clane
57
Kildare
60
(Q.27a)
Any Contact with Kildare County Council
Authorities in the Past 5 Years
89.
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Any Direct Contact with
Council
Through Intermediary
Yes
No
76%
No
24%
(12%)
58%
Method of Contact
Method of Contact
County Councillor/
Elected Member
62
10
Public Meeting
Architect
Yes
42%
9
2004
In Person
Solicitor
Over the telephone
Other
4
Visited Website
Significant increase in the use of elected
members to contact Council
Public Meeting
1
7
By letter/correspondence
Arranged meeting w/council
staff
51
63
40
47
E-mail
4
2002
36
41
2
6
5
10
(Q.27/28)
90.
Nature of Previous Contact with Council
Last Contact
Ever Contacted
(Base: All that had any contact with council (Base: All Kildare residents aged 18+)
in past 5 years – 60%)
%
%
19
21
Any Housing Enquiry
11
11
Housing enquiry/repairs, etc.
Housing loan/grant
31
30
Motor Tax
4
3
10
9
Planning permission/application
Looking for a council house/to move house
7
Road repairs
7
Any refuse/recycling
10
7
15
10
Refuse charges
4
10
Refuse collection
4
10
Flooding/drainage problems
4
5
Water supply/quality/pressure
4
5
Sewage
3
3
Pathways
3
4
General environment
3
– 3
(Q.30a/b)
Overall Satisfaction with Kildare County Council
Authorities Handling of the Enquiry/Problem
91.
(Base: All who made contact with Kildare County Council in past 5 years – 60%)
Total 2004
%
Very satisfied (5)
Total 2002
%
22
34
25
30
6
Fairly satisfied (4)
12
Neither/nor (3)
9
Fairly dissatisfied (2)
7
Very dissatisfied (1)
15
Don’t know/can’t remember
Mean Score
5
3.7
24
10
3.1
Cork City 3.3, Wicklow 2.5, Westmeath 3.5, Galway 3.2, Kildare 3.1, Clare 3.0
(Q.31)
SECTION 8:
Other Issues
– Opening Hours
– Website
– Refuse
Awareness & Usage of Kildare County
Council’s Website
93.
(Base: All Kildare Residents aged 18+)
Aware of Website
Yes, aware
Yes, Visited
Very
Frequently
11
4-10 times
19
2-3 times
21
Only Once
20
Difficult to say
29
31%
38%
61%
68%
No, not aware
Higher Amongst
Naas Rural District
Clane
Frequency of
Visiting Website (31%)
Visited Website (38%)
No, not visited
(=12% of all
residents)
Highest Amongst
50
53
Males
25-49
ABC1/F50+
33%
37%
34%
(Q.34a/b)
Likelihood of Visiting Kildare Website for
Services
94.
(Base: All Kildare County residents)
Not very
Likely
(1)
Pay for motor tax on-line
58
Look up information on services in
Kildare County
Download application forms e.g.
grants, planning, housing loans
57
64
Mean
Score
Likely
with
Internet
Access
1.7
41%
8 11 10
1.7
43%
9 57
1.4
24%
Fairly
Likely
(2)
Fairly
Likely
(3)
10 8 11
Very
Likely
(4)
Review planning permission
applications
66
10 5 6
1.5
26%
Online driving test application
68
8 55
1.3
11%
On-line refuse charges payment
66
9 65
1.4
21%
1.4
25%
1.3
15%
Apply for Council job vacancies
69
11 33
Information on County Council
meetings
70
9 34
(Q.35)
95.
Awareness of Booklets/Ininiatives/Services
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
%
Kildare County Enterprise Board
20
Thoroughbred County Logo
18
Kildare County Development Board
18
Co. Kildare Community & Voluntary Forum
14
Kildare Sports Partnership
14
11
Kildare European Leader Teo (KELT)
9
Kildare County Childcare Committee
9
OAK Partnership (Offaly & Kildare Partnership)
6
Athy Rapid
5
(Q.38)
Interest in Finding Out More Information on
Initiatives
96.
(Base: All Kildare County residents aged 18+)
Interested
Kildare County Enterprise Board
%
Not Interested
Don’t Know/
Not Sure
%
%
26
34
40
Kildare County Development Board
26
35
39
Co. Kildare Community & Voluntary Forum
24
33
43
Kildare Sports Partnership
23
35
42
Kildare County Childcare Committee
22
34
44
Kildare European Leader Teo (KELT)
15
39
46
Kildare.ie web portal & County Council web-site
15
39
46
Thoroughbred County Logo
14
41
45
Action South Kildare
14
39
47
OAK Partnership (Offaly & Kildare Partnership)
14
40
46
Athy Rapid
12
42
46
(Q.39)
Sources of Information Regarding Kildare
County Council
97.
(Base: All Kildare County residents)
Where Currently Obtained
Local newspapers, e.g. Leinster
Leader, Kildare Times, etc.
Would like to get information
40
60
32
40
Local radio
47
25
Leaflets delivered to your door
21
Friends & neighbours
6
15
Leaflets & notice boards in libraries
9
Leaflets & notice boards in other
public council public buildings
9
Website: www.kildare.ie
7
8
Contact with Council staff
7
7
21
High desire for increased information in the form of leaflets
(Q.40a/b)
SECTION 9:
Overall Satisfaction with
Kildare County Council/
Naas/Athy TC
Satisfaction with Kildare Authorities –
Specific Aspects of Service
99.
(Base: All Kildare Residents Aged 18+)
Neither
Very
Fairly
Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Nor/DK
(3)
(1)
(2)
Fairly
Satisfied
(4)
Ease of contact
28
30
The quality of their service
3 9
30
46
Responding to your needs
as a Kildare resident
6 9
30
43
Community Development
40
4 8
41
Responding to queries and
complaints
7 11
38
How the Council account for
money
7 10
The amount of information
they provide
9
22
29
Mean
Score
02
South
Dublin
20
3.8
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.4
3.4
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.5
3.3
3.2
3.3
3.2
3.2
3.2
2.9
3.1
3.1
2.9
3.0
12
35
11
9
25
30
Mean
Score
04
12
36
51
Very
Satisfied
(5)
10
7
(Q.41)
100.
Attitude to Kildare County Council – I
(Base: All Kildare County residents)
Agree
Strongly
(5)
The Council are bureaucratic & full of
red tape
The Council should provide a local
information office
The Council are important to the local
community because they are a large
employer
Kildare County Council only look after
people in bigger towns
Care about residents
Agree DisagreeDisagree
Slightly Slightly Strongly
(4)
(2)
(1)
29
27
10 2
30
27
51
40
37
31
43
35
21
24
40
21
53
46
15
41
32
7
18
16 3
17 5
12
38
10 5
7
37
74
Strong desire for local information offices
2004
2002
Mean
Score
3.8
4.0
4.2
4.3
3.9
3.9
3.5
3.1
3.5
3.4
(Q.42)
101.
Attitude to Kildare County Council – II
(Base: All Kildare County residents)
Agree
Strongly
(5)
The Council make a positive
contribution to the quality of life in the
County
11
44
73
9
43
73
10
40
75
8
38
93
The Council promote the interests of the
local community
Kildare County Council is a modern &
progressive council
The Council’s provision of local services
have improved over the years
The Council are open and transparent
Agree DisagreeDisagree
Slightly Slightly Strongly
(4)
(2)
(1)
14
43
9
13
10
Mean
Score
3.6
3.6
3.5
3.5
53
34
17
2004
2002
63
46
53
44
73
26
2 16
14 7
16 11
3.7
3.5
3.8
3.7
3.2
2.8
Significant improvements in terms of being perceived as modern & progressive and open & transparent
(Q.42)
SWOT Analysis – Kildare County Council
Strengths






Significant increases in levels of familiarity
towards services provided by Kildare County
Council versus 2002: most notably regarding
– Recycling Civic Amenity Sites
– Footpaths
– Litter Control
Growing sense of affiliation with County.
High local involvement in community
organisations.
Proud heritage of County and what it has to
offer i.e. Horseracing, The Curragh & GAA.
Very high satisfaction with basic services
provided by the council;Refuse
collection,water,motor tax,recycling etc.
Increasing satisfaction with
– Driver Licensing
– Recycling
– Motor Taxation
Attitudes to Council has improved in terms of
– Ease of contact
– Quality of Service
– Community Development
– Information Provision
– Modern & Progressive
– Open & Transparent
Weaknesses





Highest levels of dissatisfaction with
– Recreational facilities/amenities for the
young
– Roads maintenance and repair
– Traffic congestion
Other important issues include
– Building, planning permission
– Crime, vandalism, disorder of youth
– Substance abuse – alcohol
– Roads/speeding
– Housing and service development
Continuing improvement required relating to
crime, health services and road maintenance
– essential components contributing to a
good quality of life.
Growing apathy regarding quality of service
provided by County Council.
Reliance on road network due to high levels
of employment in Dublin-commuter traffic.
102.
103.
SWOT Analysis – Kildare County Council
Threats
Opportunities









Communicate residents research findings
both internally and externally.
Publicise involvement/spending on key
areas which perform well.(Recycling)
Prioritise issues regarding childcare
facilities and the provision of facilities for
the young - Parks,playgrounds(Publicise
any developments in these areas)
Identify issues for improvement by area
and priortise resources-crime in urban
areas(link with other service providers)
Further promote Kildare’s equestrian
heritage – pride.
Leaflets considered the most effective for
of communication-use to promote
initiatives.
Capitalise on high awarness of websitepromote greater usage-motor
tax/application forms
Intermediaries have become more
important conduit of contact for the
council-important they highlight the
positive developments achieved.
Encourage greater local community
initiatives via funding.




Increasing dissatisfaction with facilities
amongst young people – resulting in a
more negative opinion towards the
Council.
Negative feeling relating to road
maintenance and repair – resulting in a
negative Halo effect regarding the Council.
Increasing demands by residents as
population explodes.
Increasing pressure on resources-playing
catch up on softer service provision(Child
/youth facilities)