Development plan · Dublin City Council
Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1: Written Statement (as varied by Variations Nos. 1–11)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Dublin City Council · 2022–2028 · 696 pages
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- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 311 It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: GIO5 Design Guide for Public Open Space To implement the forthcoming Dublin City Council Parks, Public Open Space Design Guide. GIO6 Metropolitan and Local Greenways To support the development of the following metropolitan greenways and local cycleways / walkways: ▪ Royal Canal and the Grand Canal (including the inner Grand/Royal canal loop linking the two canals via the Phoenix Park). ▪ Rivers Liffey (Dublin Galway Euro route) Dodder (Ringsend to Dublin Mountains). ▪ Coastal corridor. ▪ Local routes and extension of existing routes including along the Rivers Tolka, Santry, Poddle, Camac and Mayne. 10.5.2 Biodiversity Biodiversity is vital, not just for its intrinsic worth but also because of the wide ranging ecosystem services and social benefits it delivers for our quality of life (our health and wellbeing) and for the social and economic fabric of the city. Biodiversity underpins the city’s green infrastructure. The quality of natural habitats (water, soils etc.) is central to ecosystem services provision, and, therefore, integral to maintaining the integrity of a GI network and the city’s resilience to climate change impacts. Urban pressures, habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species and human behaviour are some of the constant challenges to conserving and restoring biodiversity. The City Council is committed under the National Biodiversity Plan (2017 – 2021) and the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2021 – 2025 to conserving and restoring this key resource. The Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2025 seeks to address biodiversity loss through targeted actions with measurable outcomes to maintain, restore and supplement nature in the city. The city has a wide range of habitats which have been mapped. These include natural and semi-natural grasslands, wetlands and watercourses, dunes, woodland and hedgerows, stone walls, street trees, scrub and cultivated ground. Habitats include those within protected areas of international and national importance (see Table 10.2), which in turn, support a wide range of flora and fauna across the city, including protected species (see Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2025).
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 312 Dublin City Council recognises the importance of inland feeding sites used by protected birds associated with Dublin Bay. All proposals which fall inside, or within the zone of influence of potential disturbance effects, of ex situ inland feeding sites for Special Conservation Interest winter bird species of Special Protection Areas, within Dublin City Council's administrative area, will be subject to an Appropriate Assessment, informed by adequate data to allow assessment of potential effects on the relevant European sites’ conservation objectives. Any such proposals will be assessed and consented in line with the commitment, stated in Chapter 1 (Section 1.5) of this plan, to ensure the legislative requirements for Appropriate Assessment are applied. The 2021-2025 Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan contains actions to map the feeding and roosting sites of Lightbellied Brent Geese within Dublin city and to support the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership to prepare grassland management guidelines for the management of Light-bellied Brent Goose feeding sites. DCC will also endeavour to work with relevant stakeholders in this regard. The preparation of a city wide Green Infrastructure Strategy will facilitate the building of a strong and connected ecological network / corridors. The linking of sites of biodiversity importance in the city including protected sites, wildlife corridors and non-designated sites that have conservation value for biodiversity will enable biodiversity in the city to be more resilient to current and future pressures. The city has many areas of geological importance, some of which are considered to be of national importance in terms of being best representative examples of particular geological formations or features. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), as part of their Irish Geological Heritage Programme, has identified twelve geological sites of interest in the city. These are: Phoenix Park, River Dodder, North Bull Island, River Poddle, Glasnevin Cemetery, GPO, Museum Building at TCD, Oscar Wilde Statue, 51 St. Stephens Green, Dublin City Walls, Temple Bar Street Well and Guinness Wells. Table 10-2: Protected Areas of International and National Importance Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) (Natura 2000 sites) Special Protection Areas (SPA’s) (Natura 2000 Sites) Proposed National Heritage Areas (pNHAs) Dublin Bay: Other Designations Water Framework Directive Register of Protected Areas North Dublin Bay (000206) South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary (004024) North Dublin Bay (000206) North Bull Island Ramsar Wetland Site (International) Rivers – Abstraction of Drinking Water - River Liffey South Dublin Bay (000210) North Bull Island (004006) South Dublin Bay (000210) Sandymount Strand/Tolka Estuary Ramsar Groundwater Body for abstraction
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 313 Wetland Site (International) Drinking water – Dublin Urban Groundwater body SACs and SPAs located in adjoining counties are shown in the Natura Impact Report (Appropriate Assessment)Volume 6. Dolphins Dublin Docks near Pigeon House Harbour (000201) North Bull Island National Special Amenity Area Bathing Locations – Dollymount, Merrion Strand, Sandymount Grand Canal (002104) North Bull Island National Nature Reserve Nutrient Sensitive Areas – Rivers Liffey, Liffey Estuary and Tolka Estuary Royal Canal (002103) Groundwater Terrestrial Dependent Ecosystems– Designated SACs and SPAs It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: GI9 European Union Natura 2000 Sites To conserve, manage, protect and restore the favourable conservation condition of all qualifying interest/special conservation interests of all European sites designated, or proposed to be designated, under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) (European / Natura 2000 sites). GI10 Flora and Fauna Protected under National and European Legislation Located Outside Designated Areas To adequately protect flora and fauna (under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives), the Wildlife Acts 1976 (as amended), the Fisheries Acts 1959 (as amended) and the Flora (Protection) Order 2022 S.I No. 235 of 2022, wherever they occur within Dublin City, or have been identified as supporting the favourable conservation condition of any European sites.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 314 It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: GI11 Proposed Natural Heritage Areas To protect and enhance the ecological functions and connectivity of habitats and species of proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) to be designated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). GI12 National and International Sites for Nature Conservation To protect sites for nature conservation as designated under the Ramsar Treaty for wetland sites, National Special Amenity Areas, National Nature Reserves, Important Bird Areas and Flora Protection Order Sites. GI13 Areas of Ecological Importance for Protected Species To ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of all areas of ecological importance for protected species, and especially those listed in the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, including those identified as supporting the favourable conservation condition of any European sites, in accordance with development standards set out in this plan. GI14 Ecological / Wildlife Corridors To maintain and strengthen the integrity of the city’s ecological corridors and stepping stones which enable species to move through the city, by increasing their connectivity [to be shown in the proposed Green Infrastructure Strategy] under Article 10 of the EU Habitats Directive. Development proposals should not compromise their ecological functions and should realise opportunities to contribute to enhancing the nature conservation value of them by landscaping that provides complementary habitats. An Ecological Impact Assessment will be required for any proposed development likely to have a significant impact on habitats and species of interest on or adjacent an ecological corridor. GI15 Inland and Sea Fisheries To protect inland and sea fisheries and take full account of Inland Fisheries Ireland Guidelines ‘Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment’ 2020, when undertaking, approving or authorising development or works which may impact on rivers, streams, watercourses, estuaries, shorelines and their associated habitats. To protect sea angling sites designated by Inland Fisheries Ireland at the North and South Bull Walls and at Dollymount and Sandymount Strands.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 315 It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: GI16 Habitat Creation and New Development That new developments (as appropriate) will be required to support local biodiversity and incorporate biodiversity improvements through urban greening and the use of nature-based infrastructural solutions that are of particular relevance and benefit in an urban context. Opportunities should be taken as part of new development to provide a net gain in biodiversity and provide links to the wider Green Infrastructure network. All suitable new buildings will be required to incorporate swift nesting blocks into the building fabric. GI17 Habitat Restoration To increase the percentage of restored and naturalised areas on public land in the city. That new development on private and public lands should provide opportunities for restoration of degraded habitats and soils where feasible and provide for their long-term maintenance to limit degradation. GI18 Minimise Impact – Light and Noise To minimise the environmental impact of external lighting and noise at sensitive locations to achieve a sustainable balance between the needs of an area, the safety of walking and cycling routes and the protection of sensitive species such as bats (see also Section 9.5.9 Public & External Lighting). It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: GIO7 National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 To support the management targets for nature conservation sites set out in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 (and as updated) and the objectives for local authorities to address threats to biodiversity. GIO8 Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2021 - 2025 To support the implementation of the ‘Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2021–2025’ (or as updated), which sets out key themes and objectives for biodiversity conservation and restoration and measurable targets and actions, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 316 It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: GIO9 Invasive Alien Species To support measures to prevent the introduction of and to control the spread of invasive alien species in Dublin City in accordance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and EU Regulations 1143/2014 and to implement the targets and actions set out in the Dublin City Invasive Alien Species Action Plan 2016 – 2020 (or as updated). GIO10 All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 - 2025 To have regard to the all-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 in the management of the Council’s open spaces, parks and roadside verges and to encourage the pollination of vacant, derelict and temporary sites through measures to protect and increase the populations of native wild bees and other pollinators. GIO11 North Bull Island Nature Reserve Action Plan 2020 - 2025 To manage and maintain the North Bull Island National Nature Reserve (Recognition Order, 1988) in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and to support the implementation of the North Bull Island Nature Reserve Action Plan 2020-2025 for the implementation of Management Objectives. GIO12 Geological Sites To recognise the importance of City Geological Sites and to protect the character and integrity of these sites / features. GIO13 Dublin City Habitat Map and Database To protect and improve connectivity of habitats and to prevent habitat loss and fragmentation through urban land use change, development and management through the use of the Dublin City Habitat Map and Database (2020, and updates) to inform planning decisions. GIO14 Further Nature Reserves To liaise and work with and support the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the designation of additional nature reserves and Natural Heritage Areas, and in the identification of opportunities for nature development.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 317 Figure 10-2: SPA/SAC/pNHA Map
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 318 10.5.3 Landscape Dublin’s setting, on the River Liffey and around Dublin Bay, with the Dublin Mountains to the south and Howth peninsula to the north is unique. The city’s natural, historic and dynamic contemporary landscapes define the city and give it its character and identity. This includes the coastal landscape, inland waterways, the city’s historic parks and urban quarters including the Docklands. It is critical to retain existing key landscapes and open spaces which offer so much to the city in terms of amenity and character and which give people a sense of identity and place. Within Dublin City, there are outstanding landscapes of national importance including a National Special Amenity Area at North Bull Island and a National Historic Park – the Phoenix Park. It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: GI19 Protect and Enhance Landscapes To continue to protect and enhance the city’s landscape and seascape, the amenities of places and features of natural beauty and interest, through sustainable planning and design for both the existing community and for future generations in accordance with the National Landscape Strategy 2015 – 2025 and any updated strategy. GI20 Views and Prospects To protect and enhance views and prospects which contribute to the appreciation of landscape and natural heritage. GI21 Promote City Landscape To promote the city landscapes, including rivers, canals, Dublin Mountains and Dublin Bay, as a major resource for the city and forming core areas of the green infrastructure network. GI22 Managed Access To provide managed access to landscape and amenity areas of Dublin city while ensuring their long-term protection and maintenance to limit degradation. GI23 European Landscape Convention To continue to protect and enhance landscape, including existing green spaces through sustainable planning and design for both the existing community and for future generations in accordance with the principles of the European Landscape Convention.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 319 It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: GIO15 National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025 To support and implement the objectives of the National Landscape Strategy 2015 – 2025 (and updates). GIO16 Landscape Character Assessment To prepare a Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Dublin City, during the lifetime of the plan in accordance with the National Landscape Strategy 2015 – 2025 and the forthcoming National Landscape Character Map and national guidance on local landscape character assessments. GIO17 Views and Prospects Study To undertake a ‘Views and Prospects’ study to identify and protect the key views and prospects of the city. Additional views and prospects may be identified through the development management process and local area plans. GIO18 Landscape Conservation Areas Review To investigate the suitability of designating St. Anne’s Park as a Landscape Conservation Area and to prepare a review to examine the potential for other Landscape Conservation Areas as appropriate during the timeframe of the development plan. GIO19 North Bull Island National Special Amenity Area (SAA) To update the 2009 SAAO Management Plan for the North Bull Island National Special Amenity Area. To support the protection of the North Bull Island SAA. GIO20 Liffey Valley & Phoenix Park Proposed SAA To seek the designation of: (1) Liffey Valley (from Islandbridge to the western city boundary) and, (2) The Phoenix Park as National Special Amenity Areas and to prepare Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAO) for same, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
- Green Infrastructure and Recreation | Chapter 10 320 It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: GIO21 Protection and Connectivity of the Dublin Mountains with Dublin City To support, as part of the Dublin Mountain Partnership, the proper planning and development measures for the protection and connectivity of the Dublin Mountains with Dublin City. To prepare and implement strategies for the conservation and enhancement of the landscape, visual amenity and biodiversity of the Dublin Mountains, in partnership with South Dublin County Council and Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. 10.5.4 Parks and Open Spaces The City’s parks and open spaces encompass a wide range of spaces including formal parks (Flagship Parks and Community Grade 1 & 2 Parks), green open space areas, grassed areas, woodlands and also cemeteries, allotments and civic spaces. These parks and open spaces play an invaluable role in improving the quality, character and economy of the city. They are an essential physical asset for well-being in the city linked to the better mental and physical health of residents. They provide attractive places for residents, workers and visitors to relax, socialise and play, and allow people to have contact with nature. According to the Council’s Parks Strategy for the city, parks area per 1,000 population indicates a total provision of 3.64 hectares or 36 square metres per person city wide, and this is comparable with national guidelines. This varies considerably however at the local level and where deficits were identified in the city, greening strategies have been put in place to address these. As the city develops, the scale, location and connectivity of parks and open spaces need to be planned and designed to better respond to the needs of the growing population. New Flagship Parks and Community Grade 1 and 2 Parks23 will be provided as part of the delivery of new growth areas in the city. For many other parts of the city, the main emphasis will be on quality and accessibility; ensuring that people have access to good facilities and sufficient recreational space. Opportunities to increase permeability of the urban environment will be sought to increase access to public open space. Food growing takes place in the city in people’s back gardens, allotments, parks, vacant and temporary sites and on rooftops. Community gardens, allotments and urban farms provide a social, community orientated and physical activity to all age groups and different abilities providing locally grown food. They can also bring vacant lands into active use. Growing 23 Community Parks Grade 1 serve local communities, have a good range of amenities and have a high standard of design or horticultural presentation and are approximately 10 ha in size. Community Parks Grade 2 serve local communities and have a range of amenities or are primarily used for active recreation and are approximately 5 ha in size.
Source Dublin City Council: Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1: Written Statement (as varied by Variations Nos. 1–11) (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.