Kildare Residents Satisfaction Survey

1
Kildare Residents Satisfaction Survey A
Presentation Prepared ForKildare County
Council February 2005 By BE/NOT S4-001
2
Background Objectives Overview
Benchmark Residents Survey
Update Residents Survey
2002
2003
2004
Residents Satisfaction with Service Provision

• Other Issues
• Council Contact
• Refuse Collection
• Website
• New Initiatives

Council Image/ Public Perceptions
Objectives
3
C. Research Methodology II

• 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.)

4
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
Most Important Local Problems Issues Summary
by Electoral Areas I
Section 2 National Local Problems
Naas TC
Athy TC
Leixlip

• Traffic congestion (21)
• Lack of recreational facilities/ amenities for
  youth (18)
• Road maintenance (17)
• Footpath maintenance (14)
• Building/planning permission (13)

• Traffic congestion near schools (50)
• Crime/vandalism/disorder (31)
• Lack of recreational facilities/ amenities for
  youth (28)
• Building/planning permission (15)
• Road maintenance (13)

• Crime vandalism/disorder (20)
• Environment/pollution/litter (16)
• Lack of recreational facilities for youth (14)
• Substance abuse/alcohol, drugs (13)
• Traffic congestion (11)

• Lack of recreational facilities/ amenities for
  youth (34)
• Traffic congestion (22)
• Substance abuse/Alcohol, Drugs (16)
• Road maintenance (9)
• Building/planning permission (8)

Celbridge
(Q.2)
10
Section 2 National Local Problems
Important Local Problems Issues Summary by
Electoral Areas II

• Road maintenance (32)
• Lack of recreational facilities/ amenities for
  youth (30)
• Traffic congestion (10)
• Lack of bus/public transport (9)
• Roads speeding signs/safety for kids (7)

Kildare

• Road maintenance (43).
• Lack of recreational facility for youth (17)
• Building/planning permission (12)
• Roads speeding signs/safety for kids (10)
• Traffic congestion (9)

Clane

• Lack of recreational facilities/ amenities for
  youth (26)
• Traffic congestion (20)
• Road maintenance (16)
• Building/planning permission (12)
• Environment/Pollution/litter (10

Naas Rural

• 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 (8)

Athy Rural
(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
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement County Kildare
Section 2 National Local Problems
(Base All Kildare residents excluding Naas/Athy
UDC, aged 18)
High
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Low level of crime
Health services
IMPORTANCE
Road maintenance improvement
Public transport
Shopping facilities
Affordable decent housing
Facilities for young children
Activities for teenagers/youth
Education provision
Low level of traffic congestion
Job prospects/employment
Parks and open spaces
Clean streets /litter control
Sports leisure facilities
Pavement/footpath repairs
Wage levels local cost of living
Parking facilities
Cultural facilities
Low levels of pollution
Community activities
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Race relations
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
13
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 Countys identity include-
• Horse racing/equestrian pursuits/bloodstock
• The Curragh/landscape/scenery
• GAA/The Lillywhites

14
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.

15
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 Councils 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.

16
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.

17
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

18
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.

19
Section 5 Awareness Satisfaction with
Services/ Facilities Provided by Kildare County
Council

• 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
Athy TC
20
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

21
Strategic Improvement Matrix Total Co. Co.
Excl. Naas Athy
(Base All Kildare residents excl Naas Athy
UDC aged 18)
Refuse Collection
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Footpaths
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Motor Taxation
Street Lighting
Water Supplies
Road Safety and Parking
Street Cleaning
Recycling,
Driver Licensing
Litter Control
Register of Electors/Elections
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Planning Applications and Development
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Housing and Service Development
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Library and Arts Services
Sports/leisure facilities/events
Surface Water Drainage
Fire Services
3.
Landfill Sites
5.
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
6.
Swimming Pools
1.
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
4.
Environment/pollution
2.
Public Conveniences (Toilets)

• Dog Warden service
• Development of local industry
• Local authority housing
• Promoting interests of local community
• Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
  Leisure Areas
• Supporting community and Voluntary
• organisations

Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc.
Promoting the Development of the County
Community/Youth Facilities
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
22
Strategic Improvement Matrix Naas UDC
(Base All Naas UDC residents aged 18)
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Refuse Collection
Street Cleaning
Footpaths
Street Lighting
Road Safety and Parking
Motor Taxation
Litter Control
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Water Supplies
Recycling
Register of Electors/Elections
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Driver Licensing

• 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

Housing and Service Development In Your Area
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Landfill Sites
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Library and Arts Services
Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
Local Authority Housing
Community/Youth Facilities
Dog Warden Service
Fire Services
Cemeteries
Planning applications development
2.
Environmental Information and Awareness
Swimming pools
Supporting community voluntary organisations
Access for the Disabled
Protecting the environment/controlling pollution
Control monitoring lakes, etc.
1.
Enforcement of planning environmental issues
3.
Civil Defence
Travelling community
6.
5.
Promoting the Development of the County
Heritage Services
Development of local industry
Grants for higher education
4.
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Building Control
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
23
Strategic Improvement Matrix Athy UDC
(Base All Athy UDC residents aged 18)
Water Supplies
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Street Lighting
Street Cleaning
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Footpaths
Road Safety and Parking
Refuse Collection
Litter Control
Motor Taxation
Recycling
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Register of Electors/Elections
Driver Licensing
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Protecting the Environment
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Provide/maintain Local Amenities
Swimming Pools
Playgrounds/Parks
Library and Arts Services
Heritage Services
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Fire Services
Promoting the Development of the County
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
Local Authority Housing
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Supporting Community Voluntary Organisations
Development Of Local Industry
Community/Youth Facilities
Environmental Information and Awareness
Landfill Sites
Planning Applications and Development
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
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Travelling Community
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
24
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
Planning Applications Development

• 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
• Need to control dumping
• Recycling facilities not emptied often enough
• Landfill site is smelly/unsightly

• Slow to grant permission
• Restrictive planning/difficult to get
• Too much red tape
• Haphazard/make inconsistent decisions

25
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
• Dont 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

26
Section 6 Reasons for Dissatisfaction with
Services provided by Kildare County Council
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Water Supplies

• Not enough information or support available
• Local community cant get funding
• Not enough support for voluntary organisations
• Not enough staff/human resource support

• Inconsistent Water Quality
• Poor water pressure
• Lack of prior notice about disruptions
• Intermittent pressure

27
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.

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
Would like to get information
Athy Urban Kildare
Athy Urban
High desire for increased information in the form
of leaflets
(Q.40a/b)
31
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/dont
  know.

32
SECTION 1 Residents Profile and Demographics
33
Length of Time Living in County Kildare
Lived Elsewhere for a Year or More



Less than 5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
20 years/All Life
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
Greatest influx of new residents
(Q.4a)
35
Place of Work
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
(Base All working full/part time 54)

(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
(4)
Housewife
Work Full-time
54
56
Not Working/ Students/Retired
(-4)
Work Part-time

• Higher in
• Naas Urban
• Naas Rural
• Clane

2002
(Q.5)
ROI Working Full/Part Time 53
36
Where Conduct Food Shopping
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)

(Q.13a)
37
Where Conduct Non-Food Shopping
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)

Outside County
(Q.13a)
38
Shopping in Kildare Vs Outside Kildare
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)
Regional










Kildare
Outside Kildare
Celbridge and Leixlip residents choosing to shop
outside County
(Q.13c)
39
SECTION 2 National Local Issues Priorities for
Improvement
40
Problems/Issues Would Like Government to
Concentrate On Top 10 I
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
2004
1st Mention
Total Mentions
Increased in importance versus 2002
Health services remain the top priority Kildare
Residents would like the government to
concentrate on.
(Q.1)
All others 1 or less
41
Important Local Problems Issues I Verbatim
Responses
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
2004 2002
Higher In

Recreational facilities for youth and road
maintenance/traffic congestion are the most
salient local issues across the County.
(Q.2)
42
Most Important Local Problems Issues Summary
by Electoral Areas I
Naas TC

Athy TC

43
Most Important Local Problems Issues Summary
by Electoral Areas II
Leixlip

Celbridge

(Q.2)
44
Most Important Local Problems Issues Summary
by Electoral Areas III
Kildare

Clane

(Q.2)
45
Most Important Local Problems Issues Summary
by Electoral Areas IV
Naas Rural
Athy Rural


(Q.2)
46
Kildare Quality of Life Key Drivers
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
Most Important
Needs Improvement


Aspects Which Make Kildare Somewhere a Good Place
to Live/Learn/Work/Visit/Do Business
(Q.25/26)
47
Kildare Quality of Life Key Drivers
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
Most Important
Needs Improvement


Aspects Which Make Kildare Somewhere a Good Place
to Live/Learn/Work/Visit/Do Business
(Q.21a/b)
48
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement Total Kildare
(Base All Kildare County Council residents aged
18)
High
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Low level of crime
Health services
Road maintenance improvement
IMPORTANCE
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
Pavement/footpath repairs
Sports leisure facilities
Clean streets/litter control
Wage levels local cost of living
Parking facilities
Cultural facilities
Low levels of pollution
Community activities
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Race relations
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
49
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement Naas UDC
(Base All Naas UDC Residents, aged 18)
High
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Health services (86, 70)
Road maintenance improvement
Low level of crime
IMPORTANCE
Public transport
Pavement/footpath repairs
Parks and open spaces
Low level of traffic congestion
Affordable decent housing
Activities for teenagers/youth
Facilities for young children
Education provision
Clean streets/litter control
Shopping facilities
Job prospects/employment
Parking facilities
Sports leisure facilities
Cultural facilities
Community activities
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Wage levels local cost of living
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low levels of pollution
Race relations
Low
High
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
50
Quality of Life/Key Drivers/Priorities for
Improvement Athy UDC
(Base All Athy UDC residents, aged 18)
High
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
HIGH LEVERAGE
Low level of crime
Health services
Affordable decent housing
IMPORTANCE
Low level of traffic congestion
Education provision
Job prospects/employment
Shopping facilities
Road maintenance improvement
Activities for teenagers/youth
Public transport
Wage levels local cost of living
Sports leisure facilities
Clean streets/litter control
Parks and open spaces
Low levels of pollution
Race relations
Facilities for young children
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Pavement/footpath repairs
Cultural facilities
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Community activities
Parking facilities
Low
High
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
51
SECTION 3 Involvement in Community/ Opinion of
Quality of Life in Kildare County
52
Involvement in Community, Voluntary or Sporting
Organisations x Authorities Demographics
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
2004 2002


(Q.6a)
53
Local Organisations Involved With

Any Sport
Any Community
Any Voluntary
Any Recreation
(Q.6b/7)
54
Average Time Involved in Community/ Voluntary
Organisations
(Base All who are involved in
community/voluntary/sporting organisations 30
Average number of hours volunteer/participate in
a month
1-2 hours
3-4 hours
5-6 hours
7-10 hours
11 hours
Dont know/cant think
Ave. No. of Hours
8
8
(Q.6b/7)
55
What is Most Associated with County Kildare?
More pronounced since 2002
Any Horses
Any Landscape/Scenery
Any Sport
Any Industry
56
What Most Associated with County Kildare
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)


(Q.2)
All others 1 or less
57
Rating of County Kildare on Quality of Life
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Live
Work
Visit
Do Business
Learn
A Place to









Very Good (5)
Fairly Good (4)
Average (3)
Fairly Poor (2)

Very Poor (1)
Mean Kildare South Dublin Cork City
4.4 - -
4.4 3.9 4.2
4.2 - -
4.1 3.7 4.1
4.2 - -
4.2 3.6 3.8
4.1 - -
4.1 3.7 3.9
4.2 3.8 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
(Q.8)
58
SECTION 4 Knowledge of Favourability Towards
Kildare County
59
Rating Level of Information Provided to Residents
Regarding Kildare C.C. Services and Benefits
(Base All Kildare County residents age 18)
Regional Analysis











Keeps us well informed (4)
Keeps us fairly well informed (3)
Gives us only a limitedamount of information (2)
Doesnt tell us much at allabout what it does (1)
Dont know



Mean score
2.0
2.6
1.9
2.0
2.4
1.8
1.8
2.5
1.6
2.1
Naas Urban, Celbridge and Clane residents feel
less well informed about County Council services
than their regional counterparts.
(Q.37)
60
Rating Level of Information Provided to Residents
Regarding Kildare C.C. Services and Benefits
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)
Satisfaction x Demographics
CLASS









Keeps us well informed (4)
Keeps us fairly well informed (3)
Gives us only a limitedamount of information (2)
Doesnt tell us much at allabout what it does (1)
Dont know
Mean
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.8
2.1
2.1
2.1
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
Co. Council Electoral Regions
Know a greatdeal about (5)











Know a fairamount (4)
Know just a little (3)
Heard of but know nothing about (2)
Never heard of (1)







3.0 - -
3.0 3.1
3.1 3.0
3.1 3.2
3.1 2.9
2.9 3.1
2.9 2.8
3.0 3.1
3.1 2.8
3.0 2.9 3.1
Mean Score South Dublin Cork City
High levels of unfamiliarity among Celbridge and
Leixlip residents.
(Q.10a)
62
Familiarity x Demographics
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Least Familiar
Most Familiar

• 18-24
• C2DE

• 35-49
• ABC1

(Q.10a)
63
Sense of Affiliation
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Neighbourhood
Town
The County
Belonging to






Very Strongly (4)
Fairly Strongly (3)
Not Very Strongly (2)
Not at all Strongly (1)
No opinion/Dont know
3.3 -
3.3 3.2
3.1 -
3.1
3.1 -
3.3
Mean Score Kildare South Dublin
3.1
3.0
Higher affiliation with Town and County
(Q.3)
64
Favourability with Kildare County Council
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Kildare Authorities
Co. Council Electoral Regions











Very favourable (5)
Fairly favourable (4)
No opinion/Dont know (3)
Fairly unfavourable (2)

Very unfavourable (1)
3.2 3.3 3.5
3.2 3.3 3.5
3.3 3.3
3.3
3.5 3.6
3.3 3.4
3.1 3.6
3.1 3.2
3.0 3.3
3.4 3.2
(2004) (2002)

• Mean Score
• South Dublin
• Cork City

3.3
Higher proportion of residents claiming to be
neutral Clane Naas rural more negative than
other regions.
(Q.10b)
65
Satisfaction with Kildare County Council
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Kildare Authorities
Co. Council Electoral Regions












Very satisfied (5)
Fairly satisfied (4)
No opinion/Dont know (3)


Fairly dissatisfied (2)
Very dissatisfied (1)
(2004) (2002)
3.3 3.3 3.5
3.4
3.3 3.2
3.1 3.3
3.6 3.7
3.4 3.3
3.0 3.6
3.1 3.2
3.1 3.5
3.4 3.4
Mean Score South Dublin Cork City
Higher proportion claiming to be neutral in most
recent survey.
(Q.11)
66
SECTION 5 Awareness Satisfaction with
Services/Facilities Provided by Kildare County
Council
67
Spontaneous Awareness of Services Provided by
Kildare County Council I
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18 excl. Naas
Athy TC)
2004 2002
1st Mention
Total Mentions
Top six Services
Secondary Services Associated



Significant increase in awareness of services
offered by the Council.
(Q.14)
68
Spontaneous Awareness of Services Provided by
Kildare County Council II
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18 excl. Naas
Athy TC)
Total Mentions
(Q.14)
69
Spontaneous Awareness of Services Provided by
TCs III
(Base All Naas Athy Residents aged 18)
Total Mentions
Naas TC
Athy TC

(Q.14)
70
Overall Usage of Services I
(Base All Kildare County Residents)
100
Primary
Secondary
40
71
Overall Usage of Services III
(Base All Kildare County Residents)
40
Tertiary
0
72
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction Kildare County
Residents (excl. Naas, Athy TC)
Very/Fairly Dissatisfied
Versus 2002


(16)
N/A
N/A
(21)
(8)
(10)
N/A
New services included in 2004 survey
73
Dissatisfaction with Services Provided by Kildare
County Council 2004 vs 2002 (/- 5) I
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)
Higher in 2004
Higher in 2002
Highest Satisfaction



Ranked in order of average satisfaction (highest
to lowest)
Fairly/Very Dissatisfied







74
Dissatisfaction with Services Provided by Kildare
County Council 2004 vs 2002 (/- 5) I
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)
Higher in 2004
Higher in 2002


Ranked in order of average satisfaction (highest
to lowest)
Fairly/Very Dissatisfied

No change on two key issues


Lowest Satisfaction
75
Overall Satisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council (excl. Naas/Athy TC)
Very Satisfied Summary Mean Scores
4.0
3.4
76
Overall Satisfaction with Services Provided by
Kildare County Council (excl. Naas/Athy TC)
Fairly Satisfied/Neutral Summary Mean Scores
3.4
3.0
77
Overall Satisfaction with Service Provided by
Kildare County Council
Very Dissatisfied Summary Mean Scores
3.0
0
78
Strategic Improvement Matrix Total Co. Co.
Excl. Naas Athy
(Base All Kildare residents excl Naas Athy
UDC aged 18)
Refuse Collection
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Footpaths
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Motor Taxation
Street Lighting
Water Supplies
Road Safety and Parking
Street Cleaning
Recycling,
Driver Licensing
Litter Control
Register of Electors/Elections
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Planning Applications and Development
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Housing and Service Development
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Library and Arts Services
Sports/leisure facilities/events
Surface Water Drainage
Fire Services
3.
Landfill Sites
5.
Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
6.
Swimming Pools
1.
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
4.
Environment/pollution
2.
Public Conveniences (Toilets)

• Dog Warden service
• Development of local industry
• Local authority housing
• Promoting interests of local community
• Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
  Leisure Areas
• Supporting community and Voluntary
• organisations

Control and Monitoring Lakes, Waterways, etc.
Promoting the Development of the County
Community/Youth Facilities
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
79
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction Naas Town Council
Comparison With 2002
Very/Fairly Dissatisfied

(37)
(5)
(23)
N/A
(-2)
N/A
N/A
N/A
80
Strategic Improvement Matrix Naas UDC
(Base All Naas UDC residents aged 18)
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Refuse Collection
Street Cleaning
Footpaths
Street Lighting
Road Safety and Parking
Motor Taxation
Litter Control
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Water Supplies
Recycling
Register of Electors/Elections
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Driver Licensing

• 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

Housing and Service Development In Your Area
Playgrounds/Parks/Open Spaces
Landfill Sites
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Library and Arts Services
Providing and Maintaining Local Amenities
Local Authority Housing
Community/Youth Facilities
Dog Warden Service
Fire Services
Cemeteries
Planning applications development
2.
Environmental Information and Awareness
Swimming pools
Supporting community voluntary organisations
Access for the Disabled
Protecting the environment/controlling pollution
Control monitoring lakes, etc.
1.
Enforcement of planning environmental issues
3.
Civil Defence
Travelling community
6.
5.
Promoting the Development of the County
Heritage Services
Development of local industry
Grants for higher education
4.
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Building Control
LOW LEVERAGE
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
81
Key Areas of Dissatisfaction Athy Town Council
Comparison With 2002

N/A
(-1)
(20)
(27)
N/A
(-15)
82
Strategic Improvement Matrix Athy UDC
(Base All Athy UDC residents aged 18)
Water Supplies
High
HIGH LEVERAGE
CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
Street Lighting
Street Cleaning
Roads - Maintenance and Improvement of Road
Network
Footpaths
Road Safety and Parking
Refuse Collection
Litter Control
Motor Taxation
Recycling
Sewage Disposal/Drainage
Register of Electors/Elections
Driver Licensing
Sports/Leisure Facilities
Protecting the Environment
Housing and Service Development In Your Area
PERSONALLY BENEFIT
Provide/maintain Local Amenities
Swimming Pools
Playgrounds/Parks
Library and Arts Services
Heritage Services
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Fire Services
Promoting the Development of the County
Enforcement of Planning and Environmental Issues
Local Authority Housing
Public Conveniences (Toilets)
Supporting Community Voluntary Organisations
Development Of Local Industry
Community/Youth Facilities
Environmental Information and Awareness
Landfill Sites
Planning Applications and Development
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
LESS CRITICAL IMPROVEMENT
LOW LEVERAGE
Travelling Community
Low
Low
High
PERFORMANCE - VERY/FAIRLY SATISFIED
83
SECTION 6 Reasons for Dissatisfaction with
Services Provided by Kildare County Council
84
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
Planning Applications Development

• 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
• Need to control dumping
• Recycling facilities not emptied often enough
• Landfill site is smelly/unsightly

• Slow to grant permission
• Restrictive planning/difficult to get
• Too much red tape
• Haphazard/make inconsistent decisions

85
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Services
provided by Kildare County Council
Housing and Service Development in Your Area
Local Authority Housing

• Not building enough houses
• Dont 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

86
Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Services
provided by Kildare County Council
Promoting the Interests of the Local Community
Water Supplies

• Not enough information or support available
• Local community cant get funding
• Not enough support for voluntary organisations
• Not enough staff/human resource support

• Inconsistent Water Quality
• Poor water pressure
• Lack of prior notice about disruptions
• Intermittent pressure

87
SECTION 7 Contact with Kildare County
Council/Naas/Athy TC
88
Any Direct Contact with Kildare County Council in
Past 5 Years
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)
X Regions

Any direct contact with the council in last 5
years
YES
(40)
(Q.27a)
89
Any Contact with Kildare County Council
Authorities in the Past 5 Years
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Through Intermediary
Any Direct Contact with Council
No
Yes
No
Yes
(12)
Method of Contact
Method of Contact
2004
2002
-
-
Significant increase in the use of elected
members to contact Council
(Q.27/28)
90
Nature of Previous Contact with Council
Last Contact
Ever Contacted
(Base All that had any contact with councilin
past 5 years 60)
(Base All Kildare residents aged 18)

(Q.30a/b)
91
Overall Satisfaction with Kildare County Council
Authorities Handling of the Enquiry/Problem
(Base All who made contact with Kildare County
Council in past 5 years 60)


Very satisfied (5)
Fairly satisfied (4)
Neither/nor (3)
Fairly dissatisfied (2)
Very dissatisfied (1)
Dont know/cant remember
Mean Score
3.1
3.7
Cork City 3.3, Wicklow 2.5, Westmeath 3.5, Galway
3.2, Kildare 3.1, Clare 3.0
(Q.31)
92

• SECTION 8
• Other Issues
• Opening Hours
• Website
• Refuse

93
Awareness Usage of Kildare County Councils
Website
(Base All Kildare Residents aged 18)
Frequency of Visiting Website (31)
Aware of Website
Visited Website (38)
Yes, aware
Yes, Visited
Very Frequently
4-10 times
No, not aware
No, not visited
(12 of all residents)
2-3 times
Only Once
Difficult to say
(Q.34a/b)
94
Likelihood of Visiting Kildare Website for
Services
(Base All Kildare County residents)
Not veryLikely(1)
Fairly Likely (2)
Fairly Likely (3)
Very Likely (4)
(Q.35)
95
Awareness of Booklets/Ininiatives/Services
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)

(Q.38)
96
Interest in Finding Out More Information on
Initiatives
(Base All Kildare County residents aged 18)
Dont Know/ Not Sure
Interested
Not Interested



(Q.39)
97
Sources of Information Regarding Kildare County
Council
(Base All Kildare County residents)
Where Currently Obtained
Would like to get information
High desire for increased information in the form
of leaflets
(Q.40a/b)
98
SECTION 9 Overall Satisfaction with Kildare
County Council/ Naas/Athy TC
99
Satisfaction with Kildare Authorities Specific
Aspects of Service
(Base All Kildare Residents Aged 18)
Very Satisfied (5)
Fairly Satisfied (4)
Fairly Dissatisfied (2)
Very Dissatisfied (1)
Neither Nor/DK (3)
(Q.41)
100
Attitude to Kildare County Council I
(Base All Kildare County residents)
2004 2002
Agree Strongly (5)
Agree Slightly (4)
Disagree Slightly (2)
Disagree Strongly (1)
Strong desire for local information offices
(Q.42)
101
Attitude to Kildare County Council II
(Base All Kildare County residents)
2004 2002
Agree Strongly (5)
Agree Slightly (4)
Disagree Slightly (2)
Disagree Strongly (1)
Significant improvements in terms of being
perceived as modern progressive and open
transparent
(Q.42)
102
SWOT Analysis Kildare County Council
Strengths
Weaknesses
103
SWOT Analysis Kildare County Council
Threats
Opportunities