Tramore residents' feelings made clear in community survey
Tramore promenade. Photo: Joe Evans
Life in Tramore is generally very positive, according to a large survey carried out by the Tramore Development Trust. More than 750 Tramore residents filled out the survey giving a fascinating insight into different aspects of the town's life and community issues.
The results of the survey were released and published in a document titled 'Our Town, Our Future,' which reveals the community's attitudes on transport, infrastructure, and social engagement.
TDT is a community-led voluntary organisation with charitable status, working with stakeholders in Tramore to optimise local resources for the benefit of both residents and visitors. The survey was based on a model used by the Scottish government and provides an assessment of the town’s resources, quality of life, and areas requiring improvement.
There were 757 relevant answers to the survey - an impressive 7% of the 11,000 population of Tramore. 74% of respondents were between the ages of 35 and 64, there was a 57-43 split between women and men who responded to the survey when it was run in April 2024.
The survey identified several key themes in its examination of access and mobility; attitudes about the natural and built environment; infrastructure and the built environment; and the atmosphere in Tramore.
Tramore residents gave the town a score out of seven - with scores around 3.5 being common across the board. The highest score was given in the area of feeling safe, in which Tramore got a score of 4.48, followed by 4.26 for Tramore's natural spaces and 4.14 for the feeling of identity and belonging in the town.
The lowest scores were given to the townland's traffic and parking situation, as well as the sense of control and influence that Tramore residents have on their town. A total of 63.6% gave Tramore a score of less than three for the traffic and parking metric, as well as the feeling that Tramore residents were unable to have an impact on the decision-making in the area.
Overall, the survey found that residents have a generally positive perception of life in Tramore. Many respondents highlighted the need to improve both physical and social links between housing estates and the town centre, suggesting that better connections could foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility.
A demand for enhanced community and recreational facilities was also evident, with many expressing the need to accommodate the town’s growing population. As Tramore continues to expand, residents' responses show a desire for the availability of social and recreational spaces to grow alongside the population to maintain the quality of life for all residents.
Concerns were raised regarding parking, traffic management, and public transport, with calls for a review of current systems to improve mobility. Many respondents believe that more efficient transport solutions would make commuting and daily travel easier, particularly for those who rely on public services.
Additionally, there was significant interest in introducing small-scale amenities within residential areas, with a focus on improving connections to the town centre. Many residents suggested that localized facilities could enhance convenience and reduce the need for frequent travel.
Lastly, respondents emphasized the importance of increasing opportunities for social engagement within the community. There is a clear desire for initiatives and spaces that encourage residents to connect and engage, strengthening community bonds and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Denis Leamy, Chairman of Tramore Development Trust, thanked the community for their input to the survey and said the organisation will continue to engage with local stakeholders, including the council and transport authorities, to address the concerns raised.
"It is clear that people like living in the town but the survey shows that residents are 'calling out' what needs to be done to maintain our quality of life and make it even better," he said.
"The directors of TDT have already arranged a communication evening to convey the findings to a large range of organisations who will utilise the findings."
"We will continue to engage with these organisations and in particular the local council and transport bodies so that the views of Tramore people are championed," Mr Leamy said.
"We also published an attractive report that illustrates and summarises the findings of the survey. This is available in the Coastguard Cultural Centre and is in local circulation at retail outlets. The findings are also on our TDT website.'"
Tramore Development Trust is based at the Coastguard Cultural Centre, which serves as a café, art gallery, craft shop, and community hub, hosting classes, group meetings, and performances. The centre was recently awarded Tramore’s first official 'Blue Plaque' by Waterford Civic Trust in recognition of its 150th anniversary.
