Opinion Poll August-Spetember 2008
Signage in the Burren - is it up to scratch? As we approach the end of another tourist season, the issue of signage within the Burren remains a topic of debate. Pictures of the mass of signage at Ballyvaughan and Corker Hill continually feature in web logs and newspapers (recently the New York Times). For some the dearth and unpredictability of signage in the region is part of the charm of the area, part of the casual, relaxed nature of the Irish countryside. For others it is an unbearable frustration.
Result: Yes (54%), No (46%) The current level of signage in the Burren is sufficient.
Further comments welcome on info@burrenbeo.com
Burrenbeo Opinion Poll June - July 2008
The Geological Survey of Ireland together with Clare County Council and Shannon Development have provided funding to employ a professional Geologist to secure UNESCO-approved European Geopark status for the Burren-Cliffs of Moher region. A Geopark is a UNESCO designation described as 'A territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value'. Geoparks may have an active role in the economic development of its territory through enhancement of a general image linked to the geological heritage and the development of Geotourism
Do you think the Burren should be designated as a Geopark?
Result: Yes 60%, No 40%.
Further comments welcome at info@burrenbeo.com
Burrenbeo Opinion Poll March-May 2008
At a recent conference in Ennistymon organised by the Burren LIFE project, the role of farming in sustaining the heritage of the Burren was highlighted. Would you share this perspective? Do you think that the overall contribution of farming and farmers to the heritage of the Burren is a positive one, or would you feel that farming causes more harm than good in the Burren?
Question: Do you think that farming is playing a positive role in managing the Burren?
Final Result: Yes: 85%, No: 15%
More comments welcome on info@burrenbeo.com
Burrenbeo Opinion Poll January - February 2008
Over many years numerous people and organisations have suggested that the Burren should be designated as a World Heritage Site in acknowledgement of its exceptional natural and cultural heritage, and in support of its requirement for sensitive and integrated management. For some people however, the thought of another 'top-down designation' with its potential restrictions on local development, and in particular rural housing, send alarm bells ringing. But what do you think - would you like to see the Burren designated as a Workd Heritage Site? Question: Would you like to see the Burren designated as a World Heritage Site?
Final Result: Yes 75% No 25%
Further comments can be emailed to info@burrenbeo.com
Burrenbeo Opinion Poll Nov - Dec 2007
The issue of signage is one of major relevance in the Burren. Many visitors complain about getting completely lost due to the inconsistent and poor quality of the area's signage, while others feel that this is just part of the area's natural charm and appeal. Some people feel that there is an over-proliferation of signage at major junctions, others feel that this has a certain 'Irish' charm, while business owners feel that they need such signage to attract custom. But what do you think?
Do we need to develop and implement a signage plan for the Burren?
Final Result: Yes: 53% No: 47%
July-August 2007 Opinion Poll
Would you like to see a dedicated management authority for the Burren? In recent times there have been calls from The Heritage Council, The Burrenbeo Trust and others for a dedicated management authority or agency for the Burren. This Agency would have a legal basis, represent all stakeholders and work to deliver an agreed (and continually upgraded) management plan for the region.
Question: Do you feel such a structure would be worthwhile?
Result: Yes 67% No 33%
May - June 2007 Opinion Poll
Approaching the main visitor season, work is underway to to prepare a signage plan for the Burren and to develop a Burren brand. These are two key components of the Burren Initiative, a Failte Ireland Tourism Development Scheme project being carried out by Clare County Council, in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Burrenbeo and Shannon Development. The signage plan will address issues such as rationalising existing practice, delineating the Burren, reducing visual clutter, effective directional signage to visitor attractions and facilities and the standardisation of place names. The branding exercise aims to develop a Burren brand that is distinctive and memorable, that will be supported by the local community and will become an effective marketing tool for local service providers.
Question: Do you welcome this significant development?
Result: Yes 52% No: 48%
Also, a discussion forum on this topic has been set up at: http://www.shiftingground.net/Brandingtheburren.htm
March-April 2007 Opinion Poll
A recent call by the Burrenbeo Trust cited the benefits to be gained from a more integrated and strategic approach to the management of the Burren. Do you think such an approach is warranted or do you think the needs of the Burren - its people and heritage - are well met under current management systems? Let us know your opinion: Vote Yes - a more strategic approach is needed or Vote No - things are well managed as they are.
Result: Yes 69% No: 31%
January-February 2007 Opinion Poll
Over a decade on from the infamous Mullaghmore saga, is it now time to revisit the notion of providing a state-run interpretative centre for the Burren such as that found in Connemara, Killarney or Glenbeigh? Or do you feel that the range of independent facilities that have sprung up across the Burren (and on the web) in recent years have fulfilled the need for information?
Question: Does the Burren need a State-run Interpretative Facility?
Final Result: Yes: 39% No: 61%
October - November 2006 Opinion Poll
A major revamp of the Cliffs of Moher began in April 2005. The new facilities will open to the public in early 2007. The project includes construction of an award winning visitor centre containing a state of the art interpretation centre as well as extensive visitor facilities. More details on the project may be found at www.cliffsofmoher.ie However, the project has provoked a wide range of reactions all over the world.
Question: Do you welcome the redevelopment currently taking place at the Cliffs of Moher?
Final Result: Yes 30% No 70%
August-September 2006 Opinion Poll
August/September Opinion Poll
Burrenbeo, with Clare County Council, are currently working on a 'visitor management through information provision initiative' for the Burren.
Question: Do you, as a Burren resident or visitor, feel that there is sufficient information available in the Burren, on the Burren?
Final Result: Yes 54% No 46%
March-April Opinion Poll
Waterworn limestone - a resource to treasure? Is enough being done to protect the limestone pavements of the Burren? The publication of a recent report by the Limestone Pavement Action Group states that limestone pavement, much of it quarried in Ireland, is still widely available for sale in the UK, despite legal measures put in place in the 1980s. The stone is sometimes traded as 'Irish limestone'. Undoubtedly, some of this stone comes from the Burren. While much of the Burren is protected through its designation as SAC, many other areas remain undesignated and so pavement from these areas may be legally removed and traded. Is this satisfactory, or do we need to do more? In your opinion, should more areas of limestone pavement in the Burren be designated as SACs (vote 'For')or do you feel current levels of protection are adequate (vote 'Against')?
Final Result: A resounding Yes (79%) versus No (21%).- in your opinion more areas of limestone pavement in the Burren need to be designated as SACs
Further comments can be emailed to info@burrenbeo.com
Opinion Poll August-September
Recently, in an issue of 'Heritage Outlook', an article by the Heritage Council's wildlife Officer Dr. Liam Lysaght called for the designation of the Burren - in its entirity - as a National park, albeit one that would be fully inclusive of people (unlike current models). Currently only c.2.5% of the Burren has National Park status.
What do you think, would you like to see the Burren designated as a National Park
Final Result: Yes 87% No 13%
Opinion Poll June 2005
One of the most contentious issues in rural Ireland over the past while has been that of 'one off' rural housing. Balancing the needs of rural communities with those of our fragile landscape is always difficult, particularly so in areas of outstanding conservation value such as the Burren. So what do you think - are current levels of building and development appropriate? See also Forum section to express your opinion on this important issue.
In your opinion, are current planning restrictions sufficient to protect the landscape of the Burren?
Final Result: Yes 37% No 63%
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