Establishing information needs for planning and assessment of recreation activity in the coastal environment: A case study from Cork Harbour, Ireland

Abstract

planning requirements. Cork Harbour, situated on the southern coast of Ireland, is one of the largest coastal water bodies in Ireland. Cork Harbour is analogous with many other coastal locations in that it is a multi-resource and multi-use environment. Coastal and marine based recreation is one of the primary human uses of Cork Harbour; the harbour area is considered a regionally important location for boating and sailing and hosts international events. Through a collaborative research initiative – Coastal Research and Policy Integration (COREPOINT) - involving local authority planners and research scientists, efforts were made to improve understanding of the current levels of recreational activity, and the planning and management implications associated with any increase from current levels. The assessment involved quantitative and qualitative survey methods to identify data gaps in terms of: baseline information; user attitudes and perceptions towards existing management framework and facilities for recreation; interactions between different user groups; spatial distribution of recreational activities; and, institutional and administrative short comings. The results of the assessment provide an improved understanding of the current coastal recreational situation and have value as input to local area planning and a potential integrated management plan for Cork Harbour. Introduction