Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 12: Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure

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   Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: BI O26 Prevent, in the first instance, the removal of hedgerows to facilitate development. Where their removal is unavoidable, same must be clearly and satisfactorily demonstrated to the Planning Authority. In any event, removal shall be kept to an absolute minimum and there shall be a requirement for mitigation planting comprising a hedge of similar length and species composition to the original, established as close as is practicable to the original and where possible linking to existing adjacent hedges. Ideally, native plants of a local provenance and origin should be used for any such planting. Removal of hedgerows and trees prior to submitting a planning application will be viewed negatively by the planning authority and may result in an outright refusal. BI O27 Require the retention and appropriate management of hedgerows and to require infill or suitably sized transplanted planting where possible in order to ensure an uninterrupted green infrastructure network. BI O28 Promote the integration of boundary hedges within and along development sites into development design so as to avoid “trapped hedges” located to the boundary of houses within the development layout. Encourage the planting of woodlands, trees and hedgerows as part of new developments and as part of the Council’s own landscaping works ideally using native plants of local provenance and origin. BI O29 Require the undertaking of a comprehensive tree survey carried out by a suitably qualified arborist where development proposals require felling of mature trees; the tree survey shall assess the condition, ecological and amenity value of the tree stock proposed for removal as well as mitigation planting and a management scheme. It should be noted that rotting and decaying trees are an integral part of a woodland ecosystem and can host a range of fungi and invertebrates, important for biodiversity. While single or avenue trees that are decaying may be removed, others that are part of group or cluster may be subject to retention. BI O30 Ensure a Tree Management Plan is provided to ensure that trees are adequately protected during development and incorporated into the design of new developments. BI O31 Restrict the cutting of hedges during the bird-nesting season (1st March until 31st August), except in certain legally defined circumstances, in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. BI O32 Protect trees which are the subject of Tree Preservation Orders (see Table 12.3) and the 57 Champion and Heritage Trees in Kildare, which are identified on the Tree Register of Ireland. BI O33 Ensure that when considering new forest proposals: a) Landscapes of scenic value are not unduly eroded. b) Areas with environmental and archaeological protections are safeguarded. c) A mixture of broadleaf and native conifer species (yew, juniper, and Scot’s pine) are planted where possible so as to support a variety of flora and fauna species and to enliven forestry landscapes. d) Promote the avoidance of deforestation or commercial afforestation399

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   within Natura 2000 sites unless directly linked to the management of the site for its qualifying interests. BI O34 Manage, maintain, enhance, preserve, promote, encourage, and facilitate, as far as practicable, the preservation, proper provision, and retention of the existing network of native ancient woodlands and semi- natural woodlands of amenity value especially broadleaf species. BI O35 Protect existing woodlands and trees and substantial areas of deciduous forest which are of amenity value and/or contribute to and interact with their landscape character and ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and management. BI O36 Natural regeneration of peatlands, river, canal and railway corridors, grass verges along public roads and existing and future greenways shall be encouraged and the use of “Wildflower mixes” shall not be permitted unless they can be certified as being of both native Irish provenance and origin. Where tree planting occurs within semi-natural areas, native species of local provenance and origin should ideally be used, however in the interests of species diversity, non-native species may also be considered. Reduced mowing of vegetation along peatlands, river, canal, and railway corridors is encouraged. Actions It is an action of the Council to: BI A14 Carry out a survey of trees within the main urban settlements as part of the preparation of Habitat Mapping for local area plans and to include policies for the protection of trees and hedgerows within local area plans where appropriate. BI A15 Identify and include additional trees and stands of trees on the TPO register that are deemed to be of particular significance during the life of the plan. BI A16 Encourage the awareness and engagement of the public in the identification and submission of trees for consideration for Tree Preservation Orders. BI A17 Develop, in conjunction with the Parks Department of Kildare County Council a Tree Strategy for the county which would include policies on tree pruning, tree removals, tree planting, tree preservation and the treatment of trees in relation to services and utilities. BI A18 Encourage initiatives supporting private and community-driven native tree and woodland planting schemes utilising available funding schemes. BI A19 Engage with the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to develop a suite of “Neighbourwood” exemplar projects with local communities throughout Kildare. BI A20 Review the County Kildare Hedgerow Survey (2006), over the life of the Development Plan, as appropriate. BI A21 Develop a pilot project to demonstrate traditional hedgerow management skills including hedge laying. BI A22 Develop a dataset of best quality hedgerows in the County, i.e. hedgerow hotspots and ensure ongoing conservation of these biodiverse areas.400

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   12.10 Inland Waters: Lakes, Rivers, Streams and Groundwater Over 112 km of the canals, the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and the Barrow Line, extend across Kildare. Once the lifeline of the local economy, forming the main transport routes in Kildare, these waterways and their towpaths now support a large eco-system of diverse plant and animal species along with a significant leisure resource in the county. Kildare is also traversed by some of the more productive and important salmonid systems in the region, the River Liffey, the River Barrow and the River Boyne. Rivers and streams should be maintained in an open, semi-natural condition. Their corridors and valleys provide effective measures to protect and maintain biodiversity and to help manage fluvial and pluvial flooding while supporting a quality, multifunctional green network generating multiple benefits for the environment, tourism and society. Groundwater is important for supplying water and maintaining wetlands and river flows in dry periods. Groundwater resources should be protected and managed in a sustainable manner. 12.10.1 Riparian zones (Floodplains and Buffer Zones) Riparian zones are vegetated areas bordering rivers and other bodies of surface water. They are particularly important, as they contain a range of habitats and species which are different from the surrounding landscape and the riparian corridor also acts as a wildlife corridor, enabling species to move from place. They include flood pains and buffer zones which play a key role in protecting/improving water quality in associated watercourses (streams, rivers, and lakes), thus providing environmental benefits. Riparian zones are particularly vulnerable to damage from inappropriate development. A key requirement of an integrated watercourse protection strategy is the set‐aside of sufficient land along the river margin or corridor. The buffer zone, if sufficiently large and managed will: • Filter out pollutants and sediments from overland surface run off; • Provide bank stabilisation which can assist in preventing fluvial erosion; • Provide a refuge for animals with close affinity to rivers; • Create habitat necessary for aquatic life; • Provide amenity and recreation to local people and visitors to the area; • Enhance flood alleviation. Where developments are proposed adjacent to waterways, on private or publicly owned land, the Planning Authority will require a setback distance of an absolute minimum of 10m from the water’s edge, however, the actual set-back will be determined by the scale and importance of the River, with up to 100m or more being required along the larger and more important rivers such as the Liffey, Barrow and Boyne (except on town centre/regeneration sites where there is a history of development or where there is a key public infrastructure required for public benefit). Riparian Zones are defined in Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment (IFI, 2020) as having three zones, (see Figure 12.2). These zones have distinct characteristics and can facilitate different uses as per Table 12.4. The buffer zone is401

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   dependent on the nature and design of the development, with development only occurring within 48m from the water’s edge. Figure 12.2 - Riparian Buffer zones (Source: Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment, IFI, 2020) Characteristics Streamside zone >10m Middle zone 15m-30m Outer zone >8m Function Protect the physical integrity of the stream ecosystem. Provide distance between upland development and streamside zone. Acts as a sump/filter for nutrients and sediment. Prevent encroachment and filter hard surface runoff. Width Minimum 10m plus wetland and other habitat. 15-30m depending on stream. 8m minimum setback to structures. Vegetative target Native riparian vegetation. Managed woodland, some clearing/open space allowed. Woodland encouraged, but usually turfgrass. Allowable uses Very restricted except for fishing or walking trails. Restricted, e.g. some recreational uses such as bike path or larger footpaths can function as a flood zone. Unrestricted e.g. residential uses, including lawn, swales, most stormwater treatment will occur here. Table 12.4 - Recommended riparian buffer zones illustrating the sub-zones and their functional uses (adapted from: Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment, IFI, 2020)402

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   The width of the riparian/buffer zone will depend on factors such as existing land use, land topography (e.g. slope), soil type, channel width/gradient and critical habitats to be protected. It is important that the buffer zone is large enough to protect the ecological integrity of the river (including emergent vegetation) and the riparian zone (bankside vegetation including trees) and has regard to the historical use of the area. The width of the buffer zone shall be determined having regard to the OPW’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Maps (SFRAMs), historical flood maps and/or following input from an ecologist. Key public infrastructure may be permitted within the riparian zone where there are no alternatives available or where it enhances the public and civic amenity or tourism potential of a site, such as a slipway, jetty, pontoon, angling platform, mooring post, etc. Policy It is the policy of the Council to: BI P7 Recognise and promote inland waters, natural environmental assets and to protect rivers, streams and other watercourses and, wherever possible, maintain them in an open state capable of providing suitable habitats for fauna and flora while discouraging culverting or realignment. Objectives It is an objective of the Council to: BI O37 Ensure the protection of rivers, streams and other watercourses and, wherever possible, maintain them in an open state capable of providing suitable habitats for fauna and flora while discouraging culverting or realignment. Endeavour to re-open previously culverted streams and watercourses through any future development/redevelopment proposals. BI O38 Require the preparation and submission of an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) including, but not limited to, bat and otter surveys for developments along river or canal corridors. BI O39 Consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Waterways Ireland in relation to any development (greenfield development or redevelopment of brownfield sites) that could potentially impact on the aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian habitats while taking account of ‘Requirements for the Protection of Fisheries Habitat during Construction and Development Works at River Sites’ (IFI, 2004) and ‘Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment’ (IFI, 2020). BI O40 Support Inland Fisheries Ireland’s pilot projects to investigate the incorporation of habitat restoration measures on waters draining the Bog of Allen into flood management schemes. BI O41 Maintain riparian buffer zones and potential uses as identified in Table 12.4 when considering potential development and proposed development layouts within or adjacent to waterways.403

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   BI O42 Ensure that any proposals for a National Peatlands Park will consider the important rivers and populations of native fish and other species, when draining the Bog of Allen area. BI O43 Consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Waterways Ireland in relation to any structures designed for crossing fisheries waters. In this regard consideration must be given to the following biological criteria: • species of fish required to safely pass • size of fish required to pass (life stage) • time of year in which fish passage is required • high and low design passage flows etc. BI O44 Require that expert advice is sought from a suitably qualified bat expert, in developing lighting proposals along river and stream corridors or other important locations or corridors for wildlife, to mitigate impacts of lighting on bats and other species. The use of artificial lighting shall be avoided in streamside zones (see Figure 12.2) and artificial lighting should be restricted unless absolutely necessary in the middle zone (See Table 12.4). LEDs should, where permitted, be warm white to minimise disturbance to wildlife. BI O45 Ensure that any runoff from developed areas does not result in any deterioration of downstream watercourses or habitats and require that pollution generated by a development is treated within the development area prior to discharge to local watercourses. BI O46 Generally, prohibit infilling of land adjacent to rivers, including natural floodplains, prior to or during any development. This will only be permitted, where, in the opinion of the planning authority, there is an overriding public interest in order to provide a key public infrastructure or to provide a more coherent design approach (in line with an approved urban design strategy) but, it will be subject to ensuring that adequate compensatory flood storage (if necessary) is provided elsewhere. BI O47 Ensure the protection, improvement or restoration of riverine floodplains and to promote strategic measures to accommodate flooding at appropriate locations including nature-based solutions, in order to protect ground and surface water quality and build resilience to climate change. BI O48 Avoid developing walking/cycling trails through sensitive ecological habitats. A multi-disciplinary team including an ecologist and flood risk expert shall review all riverine sites to determine the appropriate zonation (ref Table 12.4) and permissible uses.404

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   12.11 Peatlands, Wetlands and Ramsar Sites County Kildare contains a wide range of wetlands of international and national importance. Due to the topography, hydrology, climate and soils present it has wetland habitats ranging from raised bogs, fens, marshes, large riverine systems, a variety of lake types, wet woodlands and many more. They support a variety of habitats and species, function in the protection of water quality and/or flood control, are important carbon stores contributing to climate resilience and provide open space and recreational opportunities. The drained and degraded bogs go from being carbon sinks to very large carbon sources. The restoration of peatlands to their natural state will have benefits in terms of nature conservation, climate change and flood prevention and alleviation. Peatlands are wetlands where the substrate is predominantly peat including bogs which are fed by rain and fens which are fed by ground or surface water. Actively growing, intact, raised bog is an extremely rare habitat. Irish raised bogs are of international importance representing 50% of all the conservation-worthy raised bogs remaining in Europe. Total area of Peat bogs and Moors in County Kildare3 is 10,389 ha (6% of Kildare land mass) of which 8.8% are protected. The most notable wetland sites in the county include Pollardstown Fen, one of Ireland’s largest and natural fen ecosystems, and Ballynafagh Bog and Mouds Bog, which both represent internationally significant areas of intact raised bog, a habitat that has been lost throughout much of the Irish midlands. The County Kildare Wetland Survey 2012-2014 identified 231 wetlands for local biodiversity interest in Kildare 125 of which are rated A (International), B (National), C+ (County) and C (Local) importance (See Tables 12.5 & 12.6). As developments sited on peatlands have the potential to increase overall carbon losses, potentially undermining expected carbon savings (in the case of renewable energy developments) and damaging rare habitats of European importance, these factors must be considered in any environmental or ecological impact assessment prepared to accompany any planning applications. Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 require that work or development involving the drainage or reclamation of a wetland greater than 0.1 Ha requires planning permission. For drainage or reclamation of wetlands greater than 2 Ha, an Environmental Impact Assessment is required. The Council will require that an ecological impact assessment (including where necessary EIA) is carried out at the appropriate level in relation to proposals for drainage or reclamation of wetlands. Ramsar Sites are designated for the conservation of wetlands, particularly those of importance to waterfowl. These sites were designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Pollardstown Fen is designated as a Ramsar Site. 3 CORINE Landcover 2018405

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   County Kildare Wetland Survey - Rating of Importance of Ecological Sites A Internationally important • Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC or SPA under the EU Habitats or Birds Directives. • Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I priority habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. Sites designated (or qualifying for designation) as SAC for salmonids or Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directives. • Major salmon river fisheries. Major salmonid (salmon, trout or char) lake fisheries. B Nationally important • Sites or waters designated or proposed as an NHA* or statutory Nature Reserves. • Undesignated sites containing good examples of Annex I habitats (under EU Habitats Directive). • Undesignated sites containing significant numbers of resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive or species protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. • Major trout river fisheries. • Water bodies with major amenity fishery value. Commercially important coarse fisheries. C+ County value • Area of Special Amenity. • Area subject to a Tree Preservation Order. • Area of High Amenity, or equivalent, designated under the County Development Plan. • Resident or regularly occurring populations (assessed to be important at the County level) of the following: - Species of bird, listed in Annex I and/or referred to in Article 4(2) of the Birds Directive; - Species of animal and plants listed in Annex II and/or IV of the Habitats Directive; - Species protected under the Wildlife Acts; and/or Species listed on the relevant Red Data list. • Site containing area or areas of the habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive that do not fulfil the criteria for valuation as of International or National importance. • County important populations of species, or viable areas of semi-natural habitats or natural heritage features identified in the National or Local BAP, if this has been prepared. • Sites containing habitats and species that are rare or are undergoing a decline in quality or extent at a national level. C High value, locally important • Sites containing semi-natural habitat types with high biodiversity in a local context and a high degree of naturalness, or significant populations of locally rare species. • Sites containing any resident or regularly occurring populations of Annex II species under the EU Habitats Directive or Annex I species under the EU Birds Directive.406

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   County Kildare Wetland Survey - Rating of Importance of Ecological Sites • Small water bodies with known salmonid populations or with good potential salmonid habitat. D Moderate value, locally important • Sites containing some semi-natural habitat or locally important for wildlife. • Small water bodies with some coarse fisheries value or some potential salmonid habitat. • Any water body with unpolluted water (Q-value rating 4-5). E Low value, locally important • Artificial or highly modified habitats with low species diversity and low wildlife value. • Water bodies with no current fisheries value and no significant potential fisheries value. Table 12.5 - County Kildare Wetland Survey Sites - Rating of Importance of Ecological Sites KWS Site Code Site Name Easting Northing Ranking 14 Ballynafagh Bog SAC 680933.0 924 728027.81 11 A 53 Barrow Canal - River Barrow 668435.6 312 692735.54 36 A 5 Pollardstown Fen SAC 677001.8 735 716199.40 05 A 7 Rye Water Valley/Carton SAC (Kildare) 697251.6 407 737660.62 74 A 8 Ballynafagh Lake SAC 680933.0 983 728927.61 58 A 44 Barrow Valley at Tankardstown Bridge - River Barrow 670493.1 651 688123.53 82 A 13 Leixlip Cold Spring, Louisa Bridge - Rye Water Valley / Carton SAC 699429.1 658 736825.79 55 A 4 Mouds Bog SAC 678965.4 628 718942.79 42 A 73 Pollardstown Wood - Pollardstown Fen SAC 676633.9 514 715830.48 25 A 19 Poulaphouca Reservoir Spa cNHA (Kildare) 695344.8 468 709164.83 11 A 6 Red Bog SAC 697900.3 469 717307.04 45 A 11 River Barrow and River Nore SAC (Kildare) 665645.2 580 697348.55 31 A 10 Ardkill Bog - Carbury Bog NHA 669335.6 505 735426.26 95 B 24 Ballina Bog cNHA 670702.3 932 741396.96 84 B 139 Ballybought (Naas South By) 691267.7 201 707042.31 58 B 28 Ballysooghan Bog cNHA - Ballydermot 664452.6 722235.15 B407

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    KWS Site Code Site Name Easting Northing Ranking (Kildare) 332 48 2 Carbury Bog NHA 669549.6 049 735537.24 43 B 239 Corbally Branch - Grand Canal cNHA 686796.7 593 718225.90 76 B 25 Curragh (Kildare) cNHA 676933.8 655 712031.30 65 B 46 Derryvullagh Island cNHA - Kilbarry 668530.6 416 700633.82 54 B 30 Donadea Wood cNHA 683491.5 692 732535.81 87 B 43 Grand Canal (Kildare) - Grand Canal cNHA 696898.6 512 729289.44 62 B 22 Grand Canal cNHA (Kildare) 667893.9 357 730985.23 97 B 188 Haggard Bog 668085.9 300 736844.96 87 B 95 Harristown Commons North cNHA 688031.4 598 713131.00 85 B 3 Hodgestown Bog NHA 679933.3 218 730027.38 27 B 32 Hortland Bog cNHA 679149.5 267 735334.23 60 B 136 Kingsbog Common 671133.1 149 709519.88 15 B 42 Liffey at Osberstown cNHA - River Liffey (Kildare) 686931.7 466 720829.34 11 B 41 Liffey Bank Above Athgarvan cNHA - River Liffey (Kildare) 682448.6 635 711519.38 90 B 64 Liffey Oxbow - River Liffey (Kildare) 694894.0 946 730748.14 14 B 15 Liffey Valley Meander Belt cNHA - River Liffey (Kildare) 691002.7 950 709947.68 48 B 1 Lodge Bog cNHA - Lodge 671499.1 248 726073.28 59 B 49 Lullybeg Butterfly Reserve - Ballydermot (Lullymore) 668197.8 385 725616.40 23 B 34 Lullymore West cNHA 669237.6 157 726111.28 95 B 69 Moods - Grand Canal cNHA 680523.1 622 725067.45 59 B 112 Mulgeeth Bog 676315.1 490 736776.93 88 B 26 Oakpark cNHA (Kildare) 673722.4 330 680207.24 86 B 87 Rathangan - Grand Canal cNHA 668629.7 126 719828.65 57 B408

Source Kildare County Council: Kildare County Development Plan 2023–2029 — Chapter 12: Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure (2023–2029) · 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.