DUBLIN, Ireland: Most people living in Ireland believe tourism is "a force for good," but three-quarters of them also claim it has a negative impact on local areas.

New research by Fáilte Ireland shows that most people still feel positive about tourism, with 9 out of 10 residents saying it is good for the country.

However, 76 percent said they had experienced negative effects of tourism in their local area, slightly higher than in a similar 2024 study.

The report, called "Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism," surveyed more than 3,800 adults in Ireland last year.

It found that 32 percent of people believed tourists caused more litter and waste, while 29 percent said tourist traffic congestion made their travel times longer.

About 26 percent felt tourists made it harder to find parking, and 24 percent linked tourism to a rise in everyday living costs.

The survey also showed that 18 percent believed tourists added to noise pollution, while 13 percent felt that having more tourists reduced their sense of personal safety.

Nearly half of those surveyed, about 47 percent, said not enough was being done to deal with these problems.

Younger people were more likely than older groups to feel that tourists were putting pressure on their local areas and on Ireland as a whole.

Overall, one in four people said that international tourists were putting too much pressure on their area, while one in five felt the same about domestic tourists.

At the same time, most people recognized the benefits of tourism for the economy, culture, heritage, and overall community well-being.

The survey found that 88 percent of respondents said they had personally benefited from tourism, mainly through jobs and support for local businesses.

Other benefits mentioned included more opportunities to attend festivals and cultural events, a greater appreciation of natural and built environments, and greater exposure to different cultures.

Views on the environmental impact of tourism were more mixed. Around 55 percent said tourism had a positive effect on Ireland's natural environment, while 13 percent believed it was harmful.

Six out of ten people said they would like to be involved in developing tourism in their local areas, with the highest interest among those aged 18 to 29.

The report suggested focusing on better infrastructure, creating more local jobs, and promoting tourism outside peak seasons.

Fáilte Ireland said the findings showed the importance of balancing tourism growth with the well-being of local communities.

It said that sustainable tourism depends on natural and public resources, shared infrastructure, and communities' willingness to welcome visitors. It added that as tourism grows, it is important to involve local communities in planning and ensure that their needs are prioritized before those of tourists.