Development plan · Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards. Variations adopted since are not in this text.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council · 2022–2028 · 380 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement, each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- Seascape Character Assessment is an extension of Landscape Character Assessment and, with 17km of coastline, Seascape is a crucial element of the County’s history, identity, and culture. It is recognised that a Seascape Assessment for coastal parts of the County should be carried out, as there is a need to identify and describe seascapes in order to recognise the character, and key visual attributes of different parts of the coast/sea, and to understand and manage the natural and other factors that lead to seascape character change. 8.4.3 Policy Objective GIB4: High Amenity Zones It is Policy Objective to conserve and enhance existing High Amenity Zones and to seek to manage these and other areas to absorb further recreational uses and activity without damaging their unique character. The County Development Plan maps indicate areas that are zoned as High Amenity areas. These areas consist of landscapes of special value where inappropriate development, would contribute to a significant diminution of the landscape setting of the County. These areas include the Glencullen Valley, Glendoo Valley and Kilmashogue Valley. The areas immediately adjacent to the High Amenity areas are, likewise, also sensitive landscapes. Development in these areas proximate, may affect directly or indirectly the quality, and integrity of the adjoining High Amenity areas. Within these areas, the presumption will be generally to resist any development not directly related to the area’s amenity potential, or its existing use for agriculture, mountain, or hill farming. 8.4.4 Policy Objective GIB5: Historic Landscape Character Areas In assessing development proposals and in the preparation of plans, it is a Policy Objective to have regard to the recommendations and findings of the Historic Landscape Character Assessments (HLCA), already undertaken for a number of the urban-rural fringe areas of the County most likely to come under development pressure. A HCLA is a detailed holistic study of the historical development and environmental significance of an area. The HLCA offers a dynamic perspective of the total landscape, thereby contributing to the management, and promotion of sustainable development within that area. Five HLCAs have been carried out in the County to date: M Barnacullia; M Kiltiernan; M Glencullen; M Ballycorus – Rathmichael; and M Old Connaught. Seascape Dún Laoghaire Coast 163Green Infrastructure and BiodiversityChapter 8
- 8.4.5 Policy Objective GIB6: Views and Prospects It is a Policy Objective to preserve, protect and encourage the enjoyment of views and prospects of special amenity value or special interests, and to prevent development, which would block or otherwise interfere with Views and/or Prospects. DLR contains many sites and vantage points from which scenic views over areas of great natural beauty, local landmarks, historic landscapes, adjoining Counties, and the City of Dublin may be obtained. In addition, the County also contains important prospects i.e. prominent landscapes or areas of special amenity value, or special interest which are widely visible from the surrounding area. Specific Views and Prospects for protection have been identified in the Plan and are considered when assessing planning applications. It is also recognised that visual linkages between landmarks, landscape features and views exist. The Council will also take into account any Views and Prospects of adjoining Counties–Wicklow, Dublin City and South Dublin, when assessing planning applications for development proximate to the mutual County boundaries. In evaluating planning applications for development in the foreground of identified Views and/or Prospects, consideration will be given to the effect such development may have on the View and/or Prospect. Where possible, DLR will seek to improve and retain the viewing potential of existing views and/or prospects. Roads or other public areas from which there is a View and/or Prospect worthy of protection are graphically shown on the suite of Development Plan Maps. Table 8.1: Prospects to be Preserved Prospects to be Preserved Dublin City and Bay from Deerpark, Mount Merrion Carrickgollogan from Ballybrack (e.g. Church Road and Churchview Road) Carrickgollogan from Bray Road (Shankill to Bray area) Carrickgollogan from Ballyman Road Carrickgollogan from the Enniskerry Road (south of Kiltiernan Village) The Scalp from Ballyman Road and part of the Enniskerry Road Three Rock Mountain and Two Rock Mountain from the Enniskerry Road (Sandyford-Kiltiernan area) and Sandyford Village Three Rock Mountain and Two Rock Mountain from the Ballybrack Road Three Rock Mountain and Kilmashogue Mountain from Marlay Park Tibradden Mountain and Kilmashogue Mountain from Kilmashogue Lane Glencullen Mountain and Valley from the Ballybrack Road Glendoo Mountain from the Ballybrack Road Dalkey Hill from Ulverton Road, Station Road and the East Pier Killiney Hill from Vico Road, Station Road and the East Pier Additional Views and Prospects may be considered throughout the lifetime of the Plan. Views of Stepaside 164dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 8.5 The Coast The Coast is a feature iconic of the County. It is used for a wide variety of purposes - amenity, recreational activities, commercial, sporting, and economic. It represents areas of high landscape quality, natural heritage, and amenity value. The 17km coastline of DLR is diverse - varying from rocky headlands with a variety of inlets, long established historical harbours, and high-quality beaches. The retention of the Blue Flag status at Seapoint and Killiney Bay is an objective for the duration of the County Development Plan and beyond. The Coast is also an important economic resource - particularly for the fishing, aquaculture, leisure, and tourism industries. The Coast is home to a variety of important habitats and species. This is reflected in the number of designated sites of National and International importance along its length, including South Dublin Bay, Booterstown Marsh, and the Dalkey Coastal Zone. It is important that the coastal zone is managed and developed in a way which protects and enhances its natural heritage and landscape. The impacts of climate change also need to be considered. 8.5.1 Policy Objective GIB7: National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) It is a Policy Objective to support the policies and objectives as appropriate and relevant of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), with respect to the conservation, management, and protection for a sustainable future for the marine area. The NMPF (2021) sets out a vision, objectives, and policies to aid decision making in the marine area. It is an important component piece of progressing requirements under EU Directive 2014/89/EU. Part V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 transposes the Directive into primary legislation. It is important to note that Section 68 states that Part V, “shall not apply to those parts of the nearshore areas to which a Development Plan, a Local Area Plan, the NPF, a RSES, a guidance on a directive under Part 11 of the principle Act applies”. The NMPF also references the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, which introduces a “single development management process for the maritime area for activities and development to be administrated by An Bord Pleanála and Local Authorities, as appropriate”. The Council supports in principle the provision of a small pier/jetty at Shankill Beach and to promote its use as a health and well being amenity for water based and recreational purposes. Proposals for such development shall be accompanied by Screening for AA and, as necessary, an AA Natura Impact Statement and EIAR Screening and Environmental Assessments as appropriate. A general scheme of the Bill was approved by the Government in December 2019. The role of the Local Authority in this respect will crystallise as the legislation is finalised. 8.5.2 Policy Objective GIB8: Coastline Parks and Harbours It is a Policy Objective to continue to upgrade recreational and tourism-related amenities in the public parks and harbours along the coastline, including improved accessibility by the general public. Gulls at Dublin Bay 165Green Infrastructure and BiodiversityChapter 8
- There are a number of public parks and smaller incidental urban spaces along the coastline including Blackrock Park, the Peoples Park, Newtownsmith, Killiney and Shanganagh. The Council will continue to develop the amenity potential of these parks, and ensure continued public access to harbour areas. It is an Objective of this Council to maintain the Coal Harbour area, and the East and West Piers of Dún Laoghaire Harbour as publicly accessible facilities. Any public realm projects at both Sandycove and Bulloch Harbours shall have regard to the concept proposals that are contained in the 2020 Masterplan for Sandycove and Bulloch Harbours. 8.5.3 Policy Objective GIB9: Beaches and Bathing Areas It is a Policy Objective to promote the use of certain beaches and Bathing Areas for amenity and recreational use, and to continue to develop the County’s beaches and Bathing Areas in co-operation with local and environmental interest groups. Whilst the DLR beaches team maintain a number of locations across the county, there are five (5) designated bathing areas as follows: Table 8.2: Bathing Areas in the County Name of Bathing Area Seapoint Sandycove Harbour and Beach 40 Foot Swimming Area White Rock Beach Killiney Beach 8.5.4 Policy Objective GIB10: Dublin Bay Biosphere It is a Policy Objective to participate, support and contribute to the management of the biosphere, along with its partners and to aim to raise awareness and education to people living, working and using the biosphere, through an Education Strategy. In furtherance of this Policy Objective, DLR have contributed to the development of an Environmental Code of Practice for those working in the Biosphere, and all partners carry out conservation actions including gathering biodiversity data, and monitoring within the biosphere. Biosphere reserves are places where nature and people connect. They are areas which are internationally recognised for their biological diversity, yet also actively managed to promote a positive relationship between people and nature. The Dublin Bay Biosphere is a special designation awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural organisation (UNESCO). It is part of a global network of 701 biosphere reserves in 124 Countries. The biosphere designation does not add or detract from the regulatory framework already in place for the Bay, but is designed to assist stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions to the management of the Bay, which ensure good outcomes for both people and nature. The biosphere reserve is managed by the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership which includes Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, DLR County Council, Dublin Port Company and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Partnership is working to promote the protection of habitats and species, to support education, and research within the site, and to support a sustainable economy for people living, and working in the area in accordance with the Habitats Directive. The Partnership works with local community groups and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). A number of NGOs are valued members of the Biosphere Conservation Working Group. 8.5.5 Policy Objective GIB11: Coastal Area Feasibility Study It is a Policy Objective to explore undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study on the recreational potential along the coastal area of the County, which comprehensively addresses recreational impact - including visitor numbers, mapping and surveying of sensitive habitats and species and identification of significant threats on European sites - and which would allow an assessment of any future proposals, alone or in combination, to assess impact on the coastal and marine zone within and adjacent to the County boundary. The Council will explore the possibility of carrying out this study with adjoining and/or coastal Local Authorities and/or other agencies. 166dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 8.6 Access and the Mountains The County has extensive possibilities for recreational use between parks, natural routes, beaches, and the hills/mountains. Traditionally, the recreational use of the Dublin Mountains would have been primarily for activities such as walking, road cycling, dog exercising and picnicking, which capitalised upon the scenic qualities of the mountains and the panoramic vistas over Dublin. Today there is a much wider range of recreational pursuits taking place in the mountains including mountain biking, orienteering, mountain running. The Dublin mountains also play an important role as a natural, scenic and heritage amenity (see also sections 8.4 Landscape, 8.7 Biodiversity and 11.5 Countywide Heritage). A number of polices are contained within this Section of the Chapter to protect and enhance the mountains, including their use for access and recreation. 8.6.1 Policy Objective GIB12: Access to Natural Heritage It is a Policy Objective to promote, protect and enhance sustainable and appropriate access to the natural heritage of the County, where practicable, in a balanced way while protecting the natural heritage of the County. 8.6.2 Policy Objective GIB13: Dublin Mountains Strategic Plan It is a Policy Objective to support the vision and objectives of the Dublin Mountains Partnership Strategic Plan (2020- 2025), including the continued sustainable management, development and enhancement of the Dublin Mountains Way and its rerouting off public roads, wherever possible. In 2006 the Dublin Mountains Initiative (DMI) was formed - to represent the views of recreational users of the Dublin Mountains and to foster the development of a management plan for the area. The Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) was established in 2008, to improve the recreation potential of the public lands in the Dublin Mountains. The DMP Partners include Coillte, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, DLR County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and the DMI. The Partnership was also established to oversee the preparation of the Dublin Mountains Partnership Strategic Plan. The flagship project of the DMP is the 42.6km National Way marked trail, which crosses the mountains from Shankill to Tallaght. In order to enhance the enjoyment and safety of walkers, the Planning Authority will facilitate, where possible, the Dublin Mountain Partnership’s efforts to reroute the Dublin Mountains Way off public roads and to provide/improve access to publicly owned land in the upland area. The Dublin Mountains Area also contains significant archaeology, particularly in the form of passage graves, portal tombs and wedge tombs among other features, which add to the overall recreational component of the Dublin Mountains Asset. 8.6.3 Policy Objective GIB14: Public Rights-of-Way It is a Policy Objective to: i. Preserve, protect, promote, and improve for the common good all existing public rightsof-way which contribute to general amenity. ii. Extend or enhance existing rights-of-way either by agreement with landowners or using compulsory powers in the interest of ensuring access to amenities, including the coast, upland areas, riverbanks, heritage sites, geological sites and National Monuments. iii. Prohibit development and keep free from obstruction existing rights-of-way, and to take legal action if necessary, to prevent any attempt to close them off. iv. Prohibit development which would prejudice public access to existing rightsof-way, unless the level of amenity is maintained by the right of way, footpath, or bridleway being diverted by the minimum practical distance and the route continues to be segregated from vehicular traffic. v. Consider favourably planning applications which include proposals to improve the condition and appearance of existing rightsof-way. The Council will continue to use its powers under the Planning Acts to preserve and maintain existing rights-of-way, and to promote their greater use in amenity areas. In addition, the Council may seek to incorporate the creation of pedestrian ways as a condition of a planning permission to link amenities, facilities, and points of interest. Rights-of-way will be displayed on the County Development Plan Maps, where possible, and the Council is committed to ensuring that access by the public to amenity areas is retained. It is an objective of the Council to secure the retention of those established public rights-of-way as set out in Appendix 11. 167Green Infrastructure and BiodiversityChapter 8
- Routes through Fernhill, Stepaside 168dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- 8.6.4 Policy Objective GIB15: Recreation Access Routes It is a Policy Objective to preserve all Recreation Access Routes, which contribute to general amenity. The current Plan identifies Recreation Access Routes (RARs) within the lands under the control of Coillte. Coillte Teoranta, the State Forestry Board, was established to manage the public forest built up since the commencement of State planting and is the largest provider of forest recreation in Ireland. Coillte’s commitment to recreation and nature is underpinned by its membership of the Dublin Mountain Partnership, and its recent ‘Coillte Nature’ alternative, which is dedicated to addressing the biodiversity and climate change crises via reconfiguration with native woodlands, and restoration of biodiversity areas. It is an objective of the Council to support the sustainable management of recreation in the Dublin Mountains. As members of the Dublin Mountains Partnership, which comprises representatives from a wide range of partner organisations, the Council will continue to support the role of the Dublin Mountain Partnership in improving the recreational experience for users of the Dublin Mountains. 8.6.5 Policy Objective GIB16: National Park It is a Policy Objective to promote and to co-operate in the extension of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Wicklow Mountains National Park was established by the Government in 1991, and originally covered an area of 3,700 hectares. This area has been expanded to over 20,000 hectares, and it is envisaged that the Park will continue to grow as new lands are acquired. The primary aim of the Park is the conservation of local biodiversity and landscape. A very small portion of the Park falls within the jurisdiction of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. 8.6.6 Policy Objective GIB17: Trails, Hiking and Walking Routes It is Policy Objective to promote the development of Regional and local networks of hiking and walking routes/trails. These should be waymarked/signposted and listed, where feasible and appropriate. The Heritage Plan 2021 – 2025, informs the Council’s policies regarding the protection, and management of and access to heritage in the County. The County Development Plan (CDP) will have full regard to the new County Heritage Plan, during the lifetime of the CDP, and will also continue its commitment to the development of hiking and walking trails in the County. Implementation of this policy may involve the development of walks designed around cultural and historic personalities and events, coastal and sea-based routes, and long-distance hiking trails in the Dublin Mountains. The Council will co-operate with relevant agencies and groups, e.g. the Dublin Mountains Partnership and Biosphere Partnership, local groups, and landowners as appropriate, with a view to increasing such routes - particularly in upland areas. This will include consultation with adjoining Local Authorities with a view to promoting routes extending beyond the County administrative boundary. Steps to encourage such routes may include public transport connectivity, safe cycling routes, secure parking, publication of maps, and the provision of other appropriate facilities for users of such routes. Where possible and appropriate established hiking and walking routes will be signposted. (Refer also to Section 5.8.11 ‘Policy Objective T33: Directional/ Information/Wayfinding Signage). That all in use public rights of way including those over private lands be suitably signposted. Other trails in the County include routes such as mass paths, which were historic routes used to access mass in penal times. The Draft Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Heritage Plan 2021-2025 contains an action to map historic paths including mass paths and it is an objective of the Council to preserve mass paths throughout the County where possible. Walking Route through Dublin Mountains 169Green Infrastructure and BiodiversityChapter 8
- 8.7 Biodiversity 8.7.1 Introduction The natural heritage of DLR includes our flora, fauna, geology, and the landscape that surrounds us. In simple terms biodiversity includes all the variety of life on Earth. It is the diversity of nature, of our habitats, plants, and animals (including us), and their interconnections with each other. We are a part of nature and everything in nature is connected. Biodiversity forms part of the overall Green Infrastructure of the County. The Council will aim to protect and enhance biodiversity and landscape and will strive to ensure the protection of environments and habitats (consistent with RPO 7.15 of the RSES). DLR, stretching from the coastal strip along South Dublin Bay to the uplands of the Dublin Mountains, contains a wealth of diverse natural habitats and species. These include our marine and coastal environments, our hedgerows, rivers, streams, wetlands, woodlands and areas of upland grassland, heath, fen, and bog. Various species can be found across the County in all of these habitats, from our protected harbour porpoise, our seals and birds in our marine and coastal areas to our red squirrels in Killiney Hill, bats roosting and foraging across the County, terns, swallows and swifts that fill our summer skies, to our watercourses and wetland with otter, newts and frogs. The less shy of our species visit our gardens such as urban foxes, badgers and hedgehogs, and not forgetting all our wonderful flora including many rare species. The condition of these natural habitats and species, affects how they can provide ecosystem services, including providing us with resilience to climate change. It affects the quality of life of the residents and visitors to the County and is important in supporting local businesses such as tourism and recreation, highlighting the importance of protecting, and enhancing our natural habitats and species. 8.7.1.1 Policy Objective GIB18: Protection of Natural Heritage and the Environment It is a Policy Objective to protect and conserve the environment including, in particular, the natural heritage of the County and to conserve and manage Nationally and Internationally important and EU designated sites - such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservations (SACs), proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) and Ramsar sites (wetlands) - as well as non-designated areas of high nature conservation value known as locally important areas which also serve as ‘Stepping Stones’ for the purposes of Article 10 of the Habitats Directive. Bee and Flowers Marlay Park 170dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
- Red Squirrel, Killiney Hill 171Green Infrastructure and BiodiversityChapter 8
- Implementation of this Policy Objective will involve, inter alia: M Protection of existing woodlands, trees and hedgerows which are of amenity or biodiversity value and/or contribute to landscape character, including those listed under Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) and ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and management. M Designation of High Amenity zones. M Identification of Views and Prospects of special amenity value or special interest. M Mapping of existing public rights-of-way and other strategic access routes. M Protection of sites of geological and geomorphological importance. M Protection of a Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservations (SACs), and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs). M Maintaining the ecological character and sustainable use of our wetlands that are considered of International Importance. DLRs Ramsar site is the Sandymount Strand/Tolka Estuary No. 832. M Protection of existing access (including established rights-of-way) to such sites, where feasible, and the promotion of public access where it does not exist at present – but subject to ensuring and maintaining the highest environmental standards. M Development and protection of the DLR Ecological Network (Refer to Appendix 9). M Identification and protection of non-designated sites of local and high nature conservation value, and the management of features of the landscape which are of major importance for wild fauna and flora in accordance with Article 10 of the Habitats Directive. M Maintenance and, as appropriate, achievement of ‘favourable conservation status’ of habitats and species within SACs and SPAs as per the requirements and obligations of the Habitats Directive Council Directive 92/43/EEC and the Birds Directive 2009/147/EC. M Undertake field studies and map invasive alien species throughout the County in line with the forthcoming DLR Invasive Species Plan. M Working with local communities, groups, landowners, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and other relevant parties to identify, protect, manage and, where appropriate, enhance and promote understanding of sites of local biodiversity value. M Protection of the ecological integrity of proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs), Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Statutory Nature Reserves, Refuges for Fauna and Annex 1 Habitats. M Promotion of the Integrated Biodiversity Impact Assessment (IBIA) approach - a methodological framework for biodiversity impact assessment that integrates SEA/EIA requirements with AA. M Continuing as partners of the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere and to support the agreed plans and actions of the partnership. M Continuing to actively support the aims and objectives of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2020 - 2025 by encouraging measures to protect and increase the population of bees and other pollinating insects in DLR. M Implementing any relevant recommendations contained in the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht’s National Peatland Strategy 2015. 8.7.1.2 Policy Objective GIB19: Habitats Directive It is a Policy Objective to ensure the protection of natural heritage and biodiversity, including European Sites that form part of the Natura 2000 network, in accordance with relevant EU Environmental Directives and applicable National Legislation, Policies, Plans and Guidelines. Implementation of the above policy will be in accordance with the following and any updated/ superseding documents: M EU Directives, including the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), as amended, the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC), the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by 2014/52/EC), as amended, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC). M National legislation, including the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2010, as amended, the European Union (Planning and Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018, the European Union (Water Policy) Regulations 2003, as amended, the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 477 of 2011), as amended, the European Communities (Environmental Liability) Regulations 2008, as amended, and the Flora Protection Order 2015. M National policy guidelines, including the Landscape and Landscape Assessment Draft Guidelines 2000, the Environmental Impact Assessment Sub-Threshold Development Guidelines 2003, Strategic Environmental Assessment Guidelines 2004, Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009, Guidelines 172dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028
Source Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement (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.