Residential Survey
Survey carried out by B&A (Behaviour & Attitudes Survey Company) on behalf of Cork City Council
Part of the Cork City Climate Action Plan 2024–2029
1 - Introduction
Contents
1. Introduction ...................................................................... 2
...................................................................... 6
2.
Transport
3. Residential ..................................................................... 18
4. Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action ...................24
5. Key Learning ....................................................................34
Survey carried out by: B&A (Behaviour & Attitudes Survey Company) on behalf of Cork City Council
1
Introduction 1
2
1 - Introduction
Research Background and Objectives
Cork City Council is commencing the development of the Cork City Climate Action Plan . This plan will specify the adaption and mitigation measures that the local authority, and other city stakeholders, will carry out in response to climate change. The plan will meet the needs of the EU’s Mission Cities and the City Council’s statutory LACAP.
Against this background there was a need to access a representative sample of residents in the Cork City Council’s administrative area to establish their views on a number of key issues to inform the development of the plan The information coverage for the survey included the following modules: Resident Profile; Transport; Households; Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action; Citywide Action The representative survey of those living in the area was conducted using a face-to-face interviewing methodology, whereby all interviewing was conducted in the respondent’s home
The sampling procedure applied by B&A comprised a multi-staged quota-based approach, with respondents selected in direct proportion to population within each of the Local Electoral Areas (LEA) and City Areas (ref Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028) The survey data was then also weighted as per gender and age within each City Area In total, a sample size of 509 resident interviews was delivered for the Survey, with all interviewing conducted in April and May 2023
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1 - Introduction
Sample profile
Sample size: 509
Gender
Male
49%
Female
51%
Age
16-24 years
17%
25-34 years
20%
35-49 years
26%
50-64 years
21%
65+ years
17%
Social class*
ABC1F50+
58%
C2DEF50-
42%
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1 - Introduction
Local Electoral Areas (LEA)
North West
17%
North East
21%
South West
21%
South Central
21%
South East
20%
Years living in ‘area’
Less than 10yrs ago
24%
11-20 years
12%
20 years+/ ‘All my life’
64%
*The definitions for Social Grades of A, B, C1, C2, DE, F50+, and F50 are as per the Association of Irish Market Research Organisations (AIMRO) social class grading guidelines: A = Professional, Senior Management; B - Newly qualified professional, Middle Management; C1- Junior Managers, Clerical; C2 - Skilled Workers; D - Semi or unskilled workers; E - State Benefit, Social Welfare only; F – Farming, depending on farm size in acres.
5
2 - Transport
Transport 2
6
2 - Transport
Transport
Transport contributes 29% to Cork City’s annual GHG emissions. And concurrent to the development of the Cork City Climate Action Plan, there is significant investment in active travel infrastructure, Cork’s bus network, Cork Commuter Rail and a reduction in public transport fares nationwide by the Department of Transport.
Therefore, it is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of what residents’ behaviours and attitudes are to moving around the city What distances are people typically travelling on their commute? What barriers are disincentivising walking, cycling and using public transport?
emerging market for electric vehicles attractive to drivers?
Knowing this information, Cork City Council can better derive more relevant transport actions it should include in the forthcoming Cork City Climate Action Plan Particularly, regarding any potential behavioural change initiatives to encourage people to drive less and walk, cycle and use public transport more
Has ‘working from home’, either partially or full time, after COVID restrictions changed behaviour in transport? Is the
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2 - Transport
Typical travel mode: past 12 months
Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months?
Sample size: 509
Ever
Weekly+/
Monthly
Less often
88%
2%
94%
Walk on a public road (including on a footpath)
3%
69%
1% 1%
72%
Travel by car as a driver
49%
81%
11%
Travel by car as a passenger
21%
38%
78%
15%
Use public transport (eg bus, train)
25%
12%
Cycle (using an eBike or pedal cycle) on a public road, including on a cycle lane
26%
4%
10%
4%
8%
1%
Travel by van/goods vehicle as a driver
3%
3%
9%
1%
Travel by van/goods vehicle as a passenger
5%
2%
4%
0%
Ride a motorcycle
2%
1%
Use a powered personal transporter (eg, E-scooter) on a cycle lane or footpath
4%
0%
3%
In terms of weekly travel patterns, just under 70% of residents drive-by car, while c. 40% use public transport. 12% of residents are weekly cyclists.
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2 - Transport
Typical travel mode: past 12 months (Weekly+)
Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months?
Sample size: 509
Gender
Age
Social Class
Local Electoral Area (LEA)
Total South East 509 254 254 125 126 137 121 280 229 90 104 117 100 98 Male Female 16-34 35-49 50-64 65+ ABC1 50+ C2DE F50- North West North East South West South Central
Walk on a public road (including on a footpath)
88% 88% 89% 96% 89% 88% 72% 90% 87% 82% 94% 87% 84% 94%
Travel by car as a driver 69% 68% 70% 52% 84% 83% 68% 75% 62% 49% 79% 74% 53% 88%
Travel by car as a passenger 49% 37% 60% 64% 36% 42% 45% 44% 56% 57% 56% 45% 44% 45%
Use public transport (eg bus, train)
38% 38% 39% 55% 27% 23% 36% 36% 42% 46% 38% 35% 36% 38%
Cycle (using an eBike or pedal cycle) on a public road, including on a cycle lane
12% 20% 4% 19% 10% 7% 6% 13% 11% 9% 14% 11% 9% 16%
Travel by van/goods vehicle as a driver
4% 5% 3% 3% 6% 6% 1% 2% 7% 6% 7% 3% 2% 2%
Travel by van/goods vehicle as a passenger
3%3%2%3%1%6% -
1% 6% 6% 3% -
1% 4%
Ride a motorcycle 2% 4% -
2% 1% 3% 1% 1% 2% 2% 4% 1% 1% 1%
Use a powered personal transporter (eg, E-scooter) on a cycle lane or footpath
2% 4% -
2% 5% 1% -
2%2%1%3%1% -
5%
Over-index significant difference
Under-index significant difference
The key demographic variation in travel mode is by age with younger adults (16-34 years) being much more likely to be weekly pedestrians, car passengers and public transport users.
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2 - Transport
Typical travel mode x length of commute Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months? Q.7 How far is your typical commute to work or study? (one way) Q.8 How long is your typical commute to work or study? (one way) C9 Which of the following best describes your current work arrangements?
Sample size: 328 In employment & students
Used at least weekly (in past 12 months)
Any travel by driver Car / van
Any public transport (eg bus / train)
70%
Cycle (using an eBike or pedal cycle) on a public road, including on a cycle lane
38%
15%
Average commute 124km | 21 mins
Average commute 96km | 20 mins
Average commute 83km | 20 mins
Total average commute for all 328 participants: 107km | 20 mins
Average commute time across the travel modes of car, public transport and bicycle appears directly comparable at c. 20 minutes.
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2 - Transport
Work From Home (WFH) and driving since Covid Questions: Q.9 In the past 12 months, do you think you have driven more frequently, less frequently or the same as you did before COVID? C.8 Which of the following best describes your current work status? C.9 Which of the following best describes your current work arrangements?
Sample size: 284 In employment
Working arrangements
Driving Frequency since Covid
A Work only/mostly from home
Same
Less
More
N/A*
B Even mix from home & employer
A. Work only/mostly from home B. Even mix from home & employer
1% Other
22%
12%
45%
39%
11% 5
C Employer’s place of work
64%
69%
14%
15%
2
All motorists (391)
56%
27%
13% 4
C Employer’s place of work
*Not applicable as I did not drive before COVID
Any change in driving frequency since Covid is directly related to adapted working arrangements: those who work only/mostly from their employer’s place of work exhibit on balance no change in driving frequency compared to before the pandemic.
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2 - Transport
Electric vehicles: Current and future ownership
Questions: Q.5a Do you own or have access to a motor vehicle?
Sample size: 391 Motorists
Q.5b Which of the following types of motor vehicle do you have access to? Q.5c In terms of parking at your household, do you have access to the following? Q.10 How likely are you to purchase a Hybrid or Electric vehicle within the next 3 years? Q.11 Which, if any, of the following make you less likely to purchase a Hybrid or Electric vehicle?
Current vehicle
Likely to purchase an electric car (Score 8 - 10)
Barriers to purchasing an electric car
52%
Too expensive (including with grants)
23%
Range concerns (how far an EV can travel on a fully charged battery)
96%
25%
18%
Cost or difficulty installing a home charger.
17%
Limited access to EV charging infrastructure (excl your home charger)
Petrol / Diesel
15%
Not confident of the reliability of Electric Cars
5%
Unclear where to get information/ advice
5%
5%
I cannot switch to an EV as I need my current vehicle for my work (eg van, tractor and lorry)
Electric / Plug-in Hybrid
5%
Other
(95% have private driveway parking)
16%
None of these
1 in 4 petrol/diesel car owners are likely to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle within the next three years. The key barriers to purchasing are expense and range concerns.
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2 - Transport
Public transport: Usage and barriers Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months? Q.12 Which, if any, of the following have resulted in you using public transport in the Cork City area less often than you would like to?
Sample size: 509 All adults
Public transport usage (past 12 months)
38% Weekly +
15% Monthly
25% Less often
22% Non users
Public transport users
Barriers to use
Weekly + Monthly Less often
Non users
Reliability of service
27% 36% 37% 24%
30%
15% 28% 23% 22%
ANY lack of service
20%
36% North East
Frequency of service
20% 21% 21% 17%
19%
Lack of public transport services near where I commute to Lack of public transport services near where I live
10% 16% 14% 15%
13%
6% 15% 14% 13%
11%
Cost of fares
7% 3% 4% 4%
5%
Personal safety on public transport
5% 2% 3% 5%
4%
Other
2% 7% 8% 2%
4%
None of these/Not applicable
46% 29% 33% 45%
40%
Just under 40% of residents are weekly users of public transport. A further 40% use public transport less often – the key barriers to more frequent use among this group are perceived reliability and lack of services.
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2 - Transport
Public transport: Usage and evaluation (past 12 months)
Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months? Q.15 Do you think the public transport service provided in the Cork City area has improved or disimproved in the past 12 months for each of the following?
Sample size: 389 Use public transport
Public transport usage (past 12 months)
38% Weekly +
15% Monthly
25% Less often
22% Non users
Evaluation (past 12 months)
Summary Improved
All users Weekly +
3
27%
30%
40%
Fares / cost of service
70% 81%
5
37%
30%
25%
Frequency of service
55% 65%
8%
36%
32%
22%
Reliability of service
54% 63%
Speed of travel on public transport
5
39%
34%
20%
54% 61%
Personal safety on public transport
5%
48%
24%
21%
45% 54%
4%
Disimproved a lot
Disimproved a little
Neither/nor
Improved a little
Improved a lot
The evaluation of public transport services in the Cork City area is consistently positive across the main criteria; over 60% of weekly users indicate the service has improved in the past 12 months across fares, frequency, reliability and speed of travel.
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2 - Transport
Public transport: National reduction in fares
Questions: Q.13 Prior to this survey, had you heard there was a national reduction in the fares/ prices for public transport last year? Q.14 Did the reduction in public transport fares last year influence how often you use public transport in the Cork City area?
Sample size: 509 All adults
Overall awareness of fare reduction
Awareness amongst different public transport users
73% Weekly +
62% Monthly or less
46% Non users
62%
Change in usage due to fare reduction
36% Use more
49% Same
5% Less
57% Weekly+ users; 24% monthly or less users; 10% non-users
The positive evaluation of fares is facilitated by strong awareness of the national reduction in public transport fares: being at 62% of all residents and increasing to 73% among weekly public transport users. 57% of weekly users indicate they are using public transport more due to the fare reduction.
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2 - Transport
Cycling: Usage and barriers
Questions: Q.6 Which of the following best describes how often you have typically travelled in the following ways in the past 12 months? Q.16 Which, if any, of the following have resulted in you cycling less often in the Cork City area than you would like to? Q.17 Does your employer participate in the Cycle-to-Work Scheme?
Sample size: 509 All adults
Usage (past 12 months)
12% Weekly +
14% Less often
74% Non users
(where in employment) 50% of their employers participate in cycle to work scheme
Public transport users Weekly + Monthly Less often
Barriers to cycling
Feel unsafe cycling beside road traffic
45% 51% 21%
28%
Lack of segregated cycle lanes throughout the city
30% 36% 9%
15%
Steep or hilly terrain on my commute
20% 22% 9%
12%
ANY Lack of parking
18% 6% 7%
8%
Lack of public bicycle parking spread throughout the city
11% 4% 5%
5%
Fear of potential theft of bicycle
12% 10% 4%
5%
Cost of E-Bikes
7% 7% 4%
5%
Lack of private bicycle parking at workplace/school
8% 2% 3%
4%
Traffic lights not sensing cyclists
10% 3% 4%
4%
Workplace/school does not have changing facilities available
4% 5% 2%
3
Having to go the long way around a residential area (eg no short cut routes for walkers and cyclists)
4% 3% 2%
2
5% 11% 3%
Other
5%
None of these
19% 17% 22%
21%
Not applicable as I do not want to cycle in the Cork City area
1%
3% 45%
34%
26% of residents cycle. The key barriers to cycling more frequently are perceived safety, and the related absence of cycle lanes. C. 50% of current cyclists indicate that feeling unsafe cycling beside road traffic results in them cycling less often in the Cork City area.
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2 - Transport
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3 - Residential
Residential 3
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3 - Residential
Residential ( your home )
The built environment is the biggest overall contributor to Cork City’s GHG emissions. Households making up 34% of the city’s carbon footprint.
There are some existing supports for homeowners wanting to improve their home’s energy efficiency Such as those provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) However, most homes are still quite dependent on fossil fuels for their energy needs
important to understand what barriers residents may be experiencing when considering a retrofit or home energy upgrade Has higher energy costs increased people’s interest in making the transition? Are some options more popular than others when considering a home energy upgrade?
Retrofitting buildings across the city, whether residential or commercial, will be a significant undertaking Thus, it is
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3 - Residential
Home Building Energy Rating (BER)
Questions: Q.20 For approximately how long have you lived in your current home? Q.24 Do you know what your home’s BER rating is?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Living in current home for...
42% 20+ years / ‘All my life’
15% 11 - 20 years
26% 6 - 10 years
28% Up to 5 years
Aware of Home BER rating
35%
37%
39%
20+ years
11 - 20 years
40%
44%
Overall
6 - 10 years
Up to 5 years
Claimed awareness of home BER ratings is at just under 40% of residents. 28% of residents have lived in their current home for five years or less.
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3 - Residential
Home Heating
Questions: Q.21 Which of the following does your home use for heating? Q.22 Have you considered changing your electricity provider in the past year? Q.23 For which of the following reasons have you considered changing your electricity provider in the past year?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Types of heating
Natural Gas Oil Electricity Coal Heat pump (all types) Solar Panels Wood (inc wood pellets) Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Peat (inc turf) Other fuels (pleas state) Don’t know
74%
15%
13%
6%
3%
2%
2%
1%
0%
0%
3%
Why?
Considered changing electricity provider?
31%
97%
Yes
Price of electricity
A striking 31% of residents have considered changing their electricity provider in the past year; almost invariably for price reasons.
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3 - Residential
Home Retrofits + Energy Upgrades
Questions: Q.25 Have you undertaken any of the following retrofits or energy upgrades to your current home? Q.26 Are you considering undertaking any the following retrofits or energy upgrades to your current home within the next 12 months? Q.27 Which, if any, of the following make you less likely to undertake retrofits or energy upgrades to your current home within the next 12 months?
Sample size: 381
All homeowners
Ever undertaken
Considering (in next 12 months)
ANY Insulation of house Triple (or more) glazed windows Partial retrofit (eg one floor/side of a house) Installing rooftop solar panels Installing a Heat pump A deep retrofit* Other
48%
32%
35%
9%
11%
9%
5%
3%
5%
14%
4%
4%
2%
2%
5%
4%
* (carrying out multiple energy upgrades all at once to achieve a BER A-rating)
Barriers to Retrofits + Upgrades
74% ‘Upfront cost’
5%
‘Potential disruptions’
Near 1 in 3 homeowners are considering undertaking a home retrofit or energy upgrade within the next 12 months. Where previous upgrades focussed on insulation, current considerations appear broader in scope (e.g. note relative interest in solar panels).
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3 - Residential
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action 4
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
This section examines how ‘climate literate’ city residents are, how climate change is impacting their lives now and what indicative support there is for a sample of potential climate actions.
What impacts of climate change have people observed in their localities? How does the city contribute to climate change? People’s knowledge of this is crucial in being able to implement effective behavioural change initiatives Knowing city residents’ knowledge and understanding of climate change and climate action is crucial in being able to implement effective behavioural change initiatives and improving public bodies’ communications on these topics
Terms like ‘just transition’ and ‘net zero’ are frequently used but do people know what they mean?
This survey gauges support for several examples of more specific potential climate actions (eg support for reallocating road space for active travel, support for more tree planting) It also seeks to identify whether potential co-benefits of an action in health, economy etc would make residents more or less likely to support that action
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Is Climate Change Happening?
Questions: Q.28a Do you believe Climate Change is happening? Q.28b Which of the following statements best reflects your view?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Is Climate Change happening?
Existing impact
89% among those likely to buy an electric vehicle 88% among those considering retrofit to home
Climate change is affecting weather in the Cork City area
ABC1 94% C2DE 81%
80%
88%
Yes
Climate change is not affecting weather in the Cork City area
8%
Climate change isn’t happening
4%
6%
No
8%
Don’t know
6%
Don’t know
80% of residents believe climate change is already affecting weather in the Cork City area
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Climate Change Terms: Clarity of Meaning
Questions: Q.29 Please tell me how clear a meaning each term has to you
Sample size: 509
All adults
Very clear (4-5)
Carbon footprint
68%
Biodiversity
62%
Sustainable Development
58%
Net Zero Emissions
57%
Climate Neutral
44%
(Climate Change) Adaptation
42%
(Climate Change) Tipping Point
41%
(Climate Change) Mitigation
40%
Climate Resilient
32%
Just Transition
20%
54% Male 57% 16-24yrs 58% ABC1 (31% C2DE)
Average
46%
Understanding of climate change terms is ultimately modest, while also showing considerable variation: understanding peaks for ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘biodiversity’; 6 of the 10 tested terms are understood by considerably less than 50% of residents.
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Types of Climate Impact
Questions: Q.30 To what extent are you concerned that the following might harm you and your household within the next 10 years? Q.31 And to date, have you or your household suffered from any of the following in the Cork City area?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Household already suffered
High concern will suffer in next 10 years (Score 4-5)
49% North Cork
Serious storm events*
64% ABC1
ANY
36%
55%
Serious storm events*
56% ABC1
Heavy rainfall
22%
48%
Heavy rainfall
River flooding
19%
45%
Poorer air quality
River flooding
11%
44%
50% ABC1
Extreme heat
Sea level rises
8%
32%
Long dry spells and droughts
Long dry spells and droughts
6%
35%
Poorer air quality
40% ABC1
Extreme heat
32%
5%
50% ABC1 32% C2DE
Tidal flooding
Average
43%
5%
Sea level rise
4
Other
0%
* i.e. named storms like Storm Ophelia
36% of residents indicate they or their household has already suffered from one of the listed climate impacts. Concern for the next decade peaks for storms, heavy rainfall and river flooding. The intensity of concern exhibits considerable variation by social grade.
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Cork City’s GHG emissions: Perceived Contributors
Questions: Q.32 Which of these sectors, do you think, contribute the most and least to Cork City’s Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Contributes the most
Any ‘Top 3 Contributors’
Industry (incl manufacturing, pharmaceuticals)
71%
38%
Transport (incl all private vehicles, buses and commercial transportation)
30%
74%
12%
Agriculture and Fishing
46%
Commercial Services (incl restaurants, hotels, private office space and retail)
37%
6%
Public Services (incl Hospitals, Cork City Council buildings, schools and universities)
6%
27%
Residential (incl all domestic electricity consumption, heating and energy use within homes and households)
5%
33%
Climate change isn’t happening
4%
4%
Industry and Transport are clearly seen as the sectors which contribute most to the City’s GHG emissions; the Agriculture & Fishing sector is a distant third.
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Climate Action ‘Co-Benefits’
Questions: Q.33 To what extent did you see the link between the following climate actions and their ‘co-benefits’ prior to this interview? Q.34 For each of these Climate Actions, do their ‘co-benefits’ make you more or less likely to support each Climate Action in the Cork City area?
Sample size: 509
All adults
‘I can see a clear link’ between this Climate Action and their Co-Benefit’
‘This co-benefit makes me much more likely to support this Climate Action’
Climate Actions
Climate Benefits
Investment in active travel infrastructure (eg walking routes, cycling lanes) Improved frequency and reliability of public transport
Healthier and more active lifestyles
63%
47
Reduction in traffic congestion across the city
48%
60%
Reduced number of private vehicles in the city
Improved air quality
60%
41%
Switching our energy system to renewables
Employment and economic opportunity in the Energy sector
60%
44%
Undertaking a home energy upgrade or retrofitting house
Lower energy bills and long-term savings
52%
48%
Average
67% ABC1 48% C2DE
59%
46%
Appreciation of the links between climate actions and their co-benefits is consistently apparent. The potential for the co-benefits to drive more support for climate action is also evident; support is similar across the co-benefits with low energy bills and reducing traffic congestion being the most persuasive.
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Support for Climate Action in Cork City Area
Questions: Q.35 To what extent would you support the following actions being implemented in the Cork City area? Q.36 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement for the Cork City area?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Somewhat support
Strongly support
Any support
“Cork City must transform into a more sustainable place to live and work that is climate neutral and resilient” 64% strongly agree
More Parks and biodiversity (eg grass, trees, rivers/ lakes and plants) Locally produced food (Co Cork) prioritised in shops and restaurants More on-street tree planting where feasible
92%
18%
75%
88%
20%
69%
89%
21%
68%
93%: 16-34 yrs
More pedestrianised streets
86%
29%
60%
Pedestrian priority at traffic crossings
85%: 16-34 yrs
79%
29%
49%
Bus and Cyclist priority at traffic lights Reduce the burning of solid fuels (coal, turf, wood etc) to heat homes Higher density housing in the city centre Higher density housing in the city suburbs Higher density housing in commuter towns (such as Glanmire and Ballincollig) Reallocating road space (incl on-street parking spaces) to bus lanes or cycle lanes
80%: 16-34 yrs
72%
31%
41%
71%
29%
42%
(72% ABC1; 53% C2DE)
67%
30%
37%
86% summary agree
66%
32%
34%
66%
33%
34%
66%
33%
33%
82%: 16-34 yrs 80% ABC1 72% C2DE
AVERAGE
77%
28%
49%
Consistent and positive support is evident for climate actions being implemented in the Cork City area. The top four climate actions are each supported by at least 85% of residents.
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Support for Climate Action in Cork City Area
Questions: Q.35 To what extent would you support the following actions being implemented in the Cork City area?
Sample size: 509
All adults
Gender
Age
Total
Male
Female
16-34
35-49
50-64
65+
509
254
254
125
126
137
121
More Parks and biodiversity (eg grass, trees, rivers/ lakes and plants)
92%
93%
92%
94%
93%
92%
86%
More on-street tree planting where feasible
89%
93%
85%
93%
91%
82%
83%
Locally produced food (Co Cork) prioritised in shops and restaurants
88%
89%
88%
93%
86%
88%
83%
More pedestrianised streets
86%
87%
86%
93%
85%
80%
81%
Pedestrian priority at traffic crossings
79%
80%
77%
85%
74%
78%
72%
Bus and Cyclist priority at traffic lights
72%
73%
71%
80%
69%
68%
62%
Reduce the burning of solid fuels (coal, turf, wood etc) to heat homes
71%
76%
66%
77%
70%
69%
61%
Higher density housing in the city centre
67%
74%
61%
75%
61%
65%
64%
Reallocating road space (incl on-street parking spaces) to bus lanes or cycle lanes
66%
69%
63%
73%
64%
64%
55%
Higher density housing in the city suburbs 66% 70% 63% 70% 67% 61% 63%
Higher density housing in commuter towns (such as Glanmire and Ballincollig)
66% 68% 64% 74% 66% 60% 56%
Average 77% 79% 74% 82% 75% 73% 70%
Over-index significant difference
Under-index significant difference
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4 - Knowledge & Understanding Of Climate Change & Climate Action
Continued
Sample size: 509
All adults
Social Class
Local Electoral Area (LEA)
ABC1 50+
C2DE F50-
North West
South West
South Central
Total
North East
South East
509
280
229
90
104
117
100
98
More Parks and biodiversity (eg grass, trees, rivers/ lakes and plants)
92% 95% 88% 93% 95% 92% 89% 91%
More on-street tree planting where feasible
89% 92% 84% 83% 84% 94% 89% 93%
Locally produced food (Co Cork) prioritised in shops and restaurants
88% 91% 84% 82% 92% 90% 82% 95%
More pedestrianised streets
86% 89% 83% 89% 86% 90% 83% 85%
Pedestrian priority at traffic crossings
79% 85% 69% 58% 77% 84% 85% 85%
Bus and Cyclist priority at traffic lights
72% 75% 67% 57% 67% 77% 81% 76%
Reduce the burning of solid fuels (coal, turf, wood etc) to heat homes
71% 75% 64% 53% 75% 80% 76% 67%
Higher density housing in the city centre
67% 68% 67% 73% 73% 66% 64% 63%
Reallocating road space (incl on-street parking spaces) to bus lanes or cycle lanes
66% 69% 61% 66% 64% 73% 65% 60%
Higher density housing in the city suburbs 66% 69% 63% 58% 75% 64% 67% 64%
Higher density housing in commuter towns (such as Glanmire and Ballincollig)
66% 70% 60% 67% 62% 64% 64% 74%
Average 77% 80% 72% 71% 77% 79% 77% 78%
Support for the climate actions being implemented in the Cork City area is largely consistent across the key demographic groups.
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5 - Key Learnings
Key Learnings 5
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5 - Key Learnings
Key Learnings
Public Transport
Electric/hybrid vehicles
Public transport in the Cork City area is evaluated very positively: over 60% of weekly users indicate the service has improved in the past 12 months across fares, frequency, reliability and speed of travel The positive evaluation of prices is facilitated by strong awareness of the national reduction in fares
1 in 4 petrol/diesel car owners are likely to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle within the next three years The key barriers to purchasing are expense and range concerns Any change in driving frequency since Covid is directly related to adapted working arrangements: only those who WFH are driving less
Cycling
Home upgrade/retrofit
26% of residents cycle with usage heavily weighted towards men and those under 35 years The key barriers to cycling more frequently are perceived safety, and the related absence of cycle lanes C 50% of current cyclists indicate that feeling unsafe beside road traffic results in them cycling less often in the Cork City area
Near 1 in 3 homeowners are considering undertaking a home retrofit or energy upgrade within the next 12 months Where previous upgrades focused on insulation, current considerations appear broader in scope 39% know their current BER rating
Climate affects
Actions and benefits
80% of residents believe climate change is already affecting weather in the Cork City area; and over 1 in 3% indicate they or their household has already suffered from one of the climate impacts Concern for the next decade peaks for storms, heavy rainfall and river flooding, with the intensity of future concern exhibiting considerable variation by social grade
Appreciation of links between climate actions and their co-benefits is consistently apparent The potential for the co- benefits to drive support for climate action is also evident; support is similar across the co-benefits with low energy bills and reducing traffic congestion being the most persuasive The development area for ‘co-benefits’ is to build stronger appreciation and consequent support among the C2DE social grade
Climate action support
Consistent and positive support is evident for the climate actions being implemented in the Cork City area The top four climate actions are each supported by at least 85% of residents: more parks and biodiversity; more on-street tree planting; prioritisation of locally produced food; more pedestrianised streets Reallocating road space and higher density housing are more contentious In contrast to ‘Co- benefits’, support for the climate actions being implemented in the Cork City area is largely consistent across the key demographic groups
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