In accordance with EU Directive 2001/42/EC and the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programme) Regulations 2004 (SI 435 of 2004) the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company gives notice of the carrying out of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Draft Masterplan. A copy of the Draft Masterplan and the associated Environmental Report are available for inspection at the offices of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, Harbour Lodge, Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin during office hours (9am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm) and on the website of the company www.dlharbour.ie/draftmasterplan/ from August 3rd 2011 to August 31st 2011. A written submission or observation with respect to the Draft Masterplan and associated Environmental Report made to Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company by 5pm on the 31st August 2011 will be taken into consideration before the finalisation of the Masterplan.
Written observations shall be submitted to www.dlharbour.ie/draftmasterplan/ or by post to:
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan Team
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company
Harbour Lodge,
Crofton Road
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin
A survey of pier users and an on-line questionnaire about the harbour’s future has met with an enthusiastic response from participants. More than 500 responses were collected from a broad and varied selection of individuals across all age groups, including locals and those living outside the Dún Laoghaire area. Overall, the research found that the users surveyed want the harbour to develop as an accessible and pleasant place to visit with a family friendly environment.
The approach
The survey covered twenty five key themes relating to the development of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Draft Masterplan including tourism; marine leisure; heritage conservation and the environment and was presented to respondents across five categories. Respondents indicated whether each theme was a high or low priority for them using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 was low priority and 5 was high priority.
What did they say?
The top five themes chosen indicated that Dún Laoghaire Harbour is a place where:
- …the harbour is visually beautiful;
- …it’s family friendly;
- …the built environment complements the harbour’s historic character;
- …that is recognised as an international sailing venue;
- …adequate parking is provided.
When thinking about the harbour generally the priorities which emerged were:
- that the harbour is visually beautiful;
- that the harbour is a nice place to visit in the evening and
- that the harbour is a tourist destination.
In relation to amenities at the harbour the themes scoring highest were:
- that the harbour is a family friendly place;
- where adequate parking is provided;
- where there are more recreational activities and
- where there are more public walk-ways and public spaces.
Where the local economy was concerned creating more local jobs was a high priority for all respondents.
High priorities within the marine environment section focused on the blend of marine and tourism activities in:
- a place that has adequate facilities for sailing;
- a place where people can enjoy a wide range of water sports and
- a place that is recognised as an international sailing venue
In relation to heritage & culture, top of the agenda was a place where:
- the contemporary built environment is in keeping with the Harbour’s historic character
- the unique physical heritage of Dún Laoghaire is celebrated.
When asked to share their own views on how they would like to see Dún Laoghaire Harbour develop in the future, respondents highlighted issues such as:
- Improved toilet facilities;
- Cleaning up after pets;
- Making Dún Laoghaire Harbour more tourist friendly;
- Introducing more bicycle lanes;
- Refurbishing or removing the baths;
- Making more live music available;
- Encouraging more public access to sailing activities;
- Introducing cheaper car parking
Respondents believe that Dún Laoghaire Harbour’s greatest benefits are:
- Fresh air and the sea breeze;
- Access to water and sailing;
- A beautiful setting;
- Popular place for social interactions;
- Conveniently located from the city;
- Availability of various water sports;
- Access to the ferry;
- Well managed pier;
- Access to a wide range of facilities.
Findings from the survey will form part of the feedback from the extensive consultation process currently being undertaken by the Harbour Company as it prepares a draft masterplan for the Harbour area to secure the Harbour’s future and to create essential revenue streams.
