Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031

1. Page 161

   Cite this pagePDF p. 161 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Biodiversity supporting sites in the Region (which may contain designated sites within their area) include national parks (Wicklow Mountains) and UNESCO biosphere reserves (Dublin Bay), where environmental conservation is combined with visitor management strategies to support the development of unique educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Biodiversity can also be found on the edges and right in the centre of high density urban areas; in parks, hedgerows, graveyards, rivers and gardens, allowing urban populations to connect with nature in our cities and towns (see Section 7.7 Green Infrastructure). CASE STUDY: The Living Bog Funded by the EU Life Nature and Biodiversity Fund, with assisstance from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the ‘The Living Bog’ is the largest raised bog restoration project ever undertaken in Ireland and aims to restore 12 of Ireland’s unique raised bog SACs in seven counties between 2016 – 2020. It is estimated there has been a 99% loss of the original area of actively growing raised bog in Ireland. What little remains is in need of restoration and conservation. Restoration work on these Natura 2000 sites will improve over 2,600 hectares of threatened raised bog habitat – the equivalent of 18% of the national high bog area. Sites in the Midlands region include Ardagullion, Clara, Ferbane, Garriskil, Mongan, Moyclare, Raheenmore and Sharavogue Bogs46. 46 www.raisedbogs.ie 47 Jointly funded by the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Failte Ireland Biodiversity and Climate Change Climate change poses a real threat to the functions of ecoystems, however high biodiversity habitats such as wetlands, woodlands and peatlands are key for both climate mitigation and adaptation measures, providing important carbon sinks, water attenuation and flooding protection. Careful land management is needed to ensure that land use changes do not impact on the ability of the natural environment to absorb climate impacts. Warmer climates and waters have also seen Invasive Alien Species (IAS) emerge as a key challenge with negative impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The National Biodiversity Data Centre has developed an inventory of invasive species, such as Japanese Knotweed which can also have a negative economic as well as environmental impact. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 sets out natural management measures to protect native species including a reduction in the use of pesticides, management of hedgerow cutting and the retention of unmanaged roads and park areas. National Parks Heritage and nature based tourism is a large and growing component of international tourism. The 22,000 hectares of protected uplands in the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a key asset in the Region, located in close proximity to Dublin and it is estimated that at least 1.5 million people access the park each year. The Wicklow National Park Information Centre is located close to the upper lake, 2 km from the OPW Glendalough Visitor Centre. The 2018 National Parks Tourism Interpretive Masterplan sets out an investment framework47 to promote an enhanced visitor experience in Ireland’s Parks and Reserves. There is a significant opportunity for the sensitive design and development of a dedicated visitor centre, improved access to the park and to expand the informal trail network connecting to the waymarked Wicklow Way, which runs along the eastern margins of the park. There is also an opportunity to develop a National Park based on the raised bog peatlands of the Midlands in the emerging Lough Ree and Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park that could act as an economic driver in the area focussing on eco-tourism and addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation whilst also acting as an important nature reserve addressing conservation and biodiversity. This would need to be led by National Parks and Wildlife Service in association with local authorities, landowners and other key stakeholders. 161Environment and Climate

2. Page 162

   Cite this pagePDF p. 162 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Dublin Bay Biosphere In 1981 UNESCO designated North Bull Island in Dublin Bay as a Biosphere because of its rare and internationally important habitats and species. To support sustainable development, UNESCO’s concept of a Biosphere has evolved to include not just areas of ecological value but also the communities that live and work within these areas. In recognition of the environmental, social and economic importance of Dublin Bay the Biosphere was expanded in 2015 to cover the entire Bay and adjoining terrestrial zone, where over 300,000 people live and work. The Biosphere contains three different zones, the core zone of high natural value, the buffer zone of public and private green spaces and the transition zone forming the outer part of the Biosphere including residential, industrial and commercial areas. See also Section 5.9 Case Study: Dublin Biosphere. The Biosphere is managed by the Dublin Bay Partnership, which includes the local authorities, Dublin Port Company, Failte Ireland and the NPWS. The partnership works with communities, universities and schools to develop opportunities for people and nature to connect, including guided tours, citizen science events, becoming a volunteer or joining the research network. The development of biosphere branding also offers opportunities for the marketing of sustainable business and biosphere products. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Biodiversity and Natural Heritage RPO 7.16: Support the implementation of the Habitats Directives in achieving an improvement in the conservation status of protected species and habitats in the Region and to ensure alignment between the core objectives of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and local authority development plans. RPO 7.17: Facilitate cross boundary co-ordination between local authorities and the relevant agencies in the Region to provide clear governance arrangements and coordination mechanisms to support the development of ecological networks and enhanced connectivity between protected sites whilst also addressing the need for management of alien invasive species and the conservation of native species. RPO 7.18: Work with local authorities and state agencies to promote the development of all aspects of park management in the Wicklow National Park and the Slieve Bloom Mountains. RPO 7.19: Support the consideration of designating a National Park for the peatlands area in the Midlands. RPO 7.20: Promote the development of improved visitor experiences, nature conservation and sustainable development activities within the Dublin Bay Biosphere in cooperation with the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Partnership. 162 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

3. Page 163

   Cite this pagePDF p. 163 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   7.6 Ecosystem Services Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human wellbeing, there are four main types; provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural services. 48 https://biodiversity.europa.eu/topics/ecosystem-services 49 See Appendix G Glossary for definition and sources Provisioning services are the products obtained from ecosystems such as food, fresh water, wood, fibre, genetic resources and medicines. Regulating services are defined as the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate regulation, natural hazard regulation, water purification and waste management, pollination or pest control. Support services highlight the importance of ecosystems to provide habitat for migratory species and to maintain the viability of gene-pools. Cultural services include non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreation and aesthetic values48. The incorporation and consideration of an ecosystem services approach can lead to significant enhancements in relation to planning policy as well as at project stages and is recommended to be used by local authorities in the preparation of development plans and other statutory landuse plans. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Ecosystem Services Approach RPO 7.21: Local authorities shall promote an Ecosystem Services Approach49 in the preparation of statutory land use plans. 163Environment and Climate

4. Page 164

   Cite this pagePDF p. 164 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   7.7 Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure (GI) can be broadly defined as a strategically planned network of high quality natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features, which is designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services and protect biodiversity in both rural and urban settings50. 50 European Union (2013): Building a Green Infrastructure for Europe. GI can include areas of high biodiversity value grasslands, wetlands, waterways, peatlands, woodlands and uplands. It can also refer to landscape elements at all spatial scales down to trees, hedgerows, gardens, parks and open space. Blue infrastructure refers to a network of assets which are linked to water such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and wetlands. Together they are sometimes referred to as Green and Blue Infrastructure. For the purposes of the RSES, the term Green Infrastructure is used, which seeks to enhance the interrelationships between green (ecology) and blue (hydrology) ecosystems. Integration of GI as a planning concept requires an understanding of where our key strategic natural assets are located, the plants and animals that live there and the human activities that take place. Green Infrastructure policy land use zonings are already embedded in some local authority development plans, allowing for the consideration of GI in local planning policy and decision making. The multiple benefits of GI are recognised in a number of national policy documents. The National Biodiversity Plan sees GI as crucial to achieving biodiversity targets and developing ecological corridors that allow the movement of species through their entire natural habitat. The Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways focuses on the economic and social benefits of creating and connecting greenways, particularly in rural areas, while the Flood Risk Management Guidelines highlight its key role in managing flood risk and adapting to climate change. The EPA 2016 report ‘Health Benefits from Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure’ states that human health and wellbeing depends on a healthy environment and that management of such a key natural resource also has strategic importance in terms of the potential to contribute to the Irish economy. EMRA is a partner on the EPA-funded project Green and Blue Spaces: A Health-Led Approach (GBI Health). Internationally, large amounts of evidence suggest that access to green and blue spaces provide significant health benefits. GBI Health examined and confirmed the positive influence green and blue spaces have on health and wellbeing in an Irish context. See case study GBI Health, section 9.4 Healthy Placemaking. Placemaking and Green Infrastructure GI serves a wide variety of important functions including but not limited to; provision of habitat, increased biodiversity, ecological corridors, climate change adaptation and mitigation, water treatment, water retention, local amenity provision, air quality improvement, cultural and heritage preservation, a mentally restorative environment and flood mitigation. At the local authority scale, GI offers an opportunity to develop integrated strategies around economic development, urban placemaking and rural policy. Linking strategic natural assets with cultural and heritage assets further enhances the opportunities for GI strategies to drive recreation and tourism benefits. Table 7.1 identifies the strategic GI and cultural heritage assets in the Region. 164 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

5. Page 165

   Cite this pagePDF p. 165 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Table 7.1 Strategic Natural, Cultural and Green Infrastructure Assets in the Region Bays, estuaries, headlands, islands and reefs Carlingford Lough, Clogher Head, Dundalk Bay, Boyne Coast and Estuary, Rockabill, Skerries islands, Rogerstown Estuary, Malahide Estuary, Portmarnock, Baldoyle Estuary, Irelands Eye, Lambay Island, Howth Head, Dublin Bay and Tolka Estuary, Bull Island, Booterstown nature reserve, Dalkey Island, The Murragh wetlands, Wicklow Head, Wicklow reef, Maherabeg and Brittas dunes Maritime towns and beaches Clogherhead, Laytown /Bettystown, Balbriggan, Loughshinny, Rush, Skerries, Portrane, Rush, Donabate, Claremont, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock, Dollymount, Sandymount Seapoint, Sandycove, Dalkey, Killiney, Bray, Greystones, Wicklow Town, Maheramore, Brittas, Clogga, Arklow Lakes, Rivers and canals Loughs Sheelin, Derrvaragh, Ennel, Blessington, Gowna, Owel and Ree, Lough Tay – Lough Dan on the Cloghoge River. Rivers Avonmore, Aughrim, Avoca, Boyne, Barrow, Blackwater, Brosna, Clodagh, Fane, Dee, Dodder, Dargle, Glyde, Inny, Liffey, Nore, Nanny, Poddle, Slate, Santry, Shannon, Slaney and tributary Derry River Tang, Tolka and walks around the Vartry Reservoir Canals; Grand Canal and Royal Canal Greenways, blueways and peatways Dublin to Galway Eurovelo Route, Green & Silver triangular navigation route encompassing Dublin Royal Canal, River Shannon and Grand Canal, Shannon Wilderness Corridor, East Coast Trail, Newry to Carlingford, Royal and Grand Canal Ways, Canal loop Greenway (linking the Grand and Royal Canals)** Wicklow Way, Dublin Mountains Way, Liffey Valley, Dodder*, Lakelands Greenway, Newgrange to Newbridge Greenway**, Blessington Greenway, Coastal Greenway from Wicklow to Greystones**, Arklow – Shillelagh recreation trail*, Peatways (Corlea, Boora), Barrow and Boyne Blueways Uplands, woodlands and designated sites Uplands; Cooley Peninsula, Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, Slieve Blooms Woodlands; Knocksink, Glen of the Downs, Charleville Wood SPAs, SACs, NHAs and pNHAs, Ramsar sites See Appendix F Bogs and Peatlands Abbeyleix Bog, Red Bog, Mouds, Ballynafagh, Moneybeg, Clareisland, Mount Hevey, Scragh, Crosswood, Carn Park, Garriskil, Derragh, Wooddown, Girley (Drewstown), Killyconny, Brown Bog , Clooneen, Ardagullion, Mount Jessop, All Saints, Clara, Raheenmore, Ferbane, Sharavogue, Moyclare, Mongan, Derry, Coolrain, Lisbigney, Knockacoller, Holdenstown, Carriggower Bog National and Regional Parks Wicklow Mountains National Park, The Curragh Plains, Japanese Gardens, Birr Castle, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Charleville, Emo Court, Heywood Gardens, Tullynally Castle and Belvedere House and gardens. Argillan House and Gardens, Castletown house and attendant demesnes, Newbridge demesne, Oldbridge demesne, Phoenix Park, Ward Valley Park, Tymon Park, Marlay Park, Killiney Hill, Dodder Valley Park, Griffeen Valley Park, and Corkagh Park. Avondale and Kilmacurragh, Lough Ree and Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park and Lanesborough Commons North Park. Medieval, historic and walled towns. Medieval towns of Carlingford, Drogheda, Kildare, Naas, Trim and Athlone. Historic planned towns of Birr, Abbeyleix, Castlepollard and Tyrellspass. Walled towns of Ardee, Carlingford, Drogheda, Castledermot, Athy, Athlone, Naas, Trim and Dublin. Heritage sites Bru na Boinne-Boyne Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dublin Bay UNESCO biosphere, Proposed; Historic city of Dublin, Monastic sites at Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Kells, Monasterboice and Glendalough. Royal sites of Ireland at Dun Aillne, Hill of Uisneach and Tara Complex. Curragh Plains, Baltinglass cluster of hillforts, Clondalkin (Clondalkin Round Tower), and Rathfarnham (Rathfarnham Castle). See also Record of National monuments *under development **proposed 165Environment and Climate

6. Page 166

   Cite this pagePDF p. 166 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   Figure 7.3 Navigational map of the Region’s main Green/Blueway routes51 51 Source: homepage.eircom.net/~barrowline/maps.htm GUIDING PRINCIPLES In the preparation of Green Infrastructure Strategies, local authorities shall follow these Guiding Principles; • Identify and protect existing GI Assets - before development (including spatial mapping where appropriate) and enhance the potential of the existing network through the development of new GI assets during development processes. • Connectivity is key – interconnect GI assets with each other and with people, providing linkages from built up areas to the countryside. This includes wildlife corridors between areas of high biodiversity value and the development of greenways, blueways and peatways. • Consider the ecological impacts of greenways – while the development of greenways and blueways has positive health and wellbeing benefits, there is also potential for habitat loss and disturbance due to increased movement of people. Therefore there is a need to strategically plan, deliver and manage our GI networks and ensure appropriately designed infrastructure to reduce the impact on the natural environment. • Integrate an ecosystem services approach – addressing biodiversity protection, water management and climate action in the planning and management of green spaces, for example provision of street trees, roadside hedges, planting wildflower meadows, introducing wildlife underand over-passes, permeable surfaces and SuDS along connecting routes and green walls and roofs on buildings. • Design GI strategies that function at different scales and across boundaries – to this end local authorities should work with their neighbouring authorities to co-ordinate GI strategies and with infrastructure providers to seek out opportunities to develop GI along strategic infrastructure corridors. • Carbon Sequestration – local authorities should consider the potential for carbon sequestration in GI Strategies, whereby certain areas can be considered as strategic and integral mechanism for the longterm storage of carbon to mitigate the contribution of fossil fuels emissions and combat climate change. • Integrate built and natural heritage – provide links between walking and cycling routes particularly in areas of high amenity, uplands, lake shores, river banks, forests with built heritage sites, areas of historic or archaeological importance and National Monuments. The development of waymarked ways and looped walks can maximise recreation and tourism benefits to local populations but may require the creation of new rights of way either by agreement or by the use of compulsory powers. 166 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

7. Page 167

   Cite this pagePDF p. 167 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES: Green Infrastructure RPO 7.22: Local authority development plan and local area plans, shall identify, protect, enhance, provide and manage Green Infrastructure in an integrated and coherent manner and should also have regard to the required targets in relation to the conservation of European sites, other nature conservation sites, ecological networks, and protected species. RPO 7.23: Support the further development of Green Infrastructure policies and coordinate the mapping of strategic Green Infrastructure in the Region. Development of Greenways, Blueways and Peatways The Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways Strategy 2018 by the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport sets out how National and Regional Greenways in Ireland should be planned and constructed and sets out a framework for funding of Greenway projects. The aim is to develop national (at least 100 kilometres long) and regional (at least 20 kilometres, but preferably 40 kilometres long) trail networks as a unique alternative means for tourists and visitors to access and enjoy rural Ireland, helping to support the development of rural communities and job creation, as well as protecting and promoting natural assets and biodiversity. The greenways strategy is closely aligned to the National Outdoor Recreation Plan to link into state owned recreation areas including Coillte trails, Bord na Mona peatlands and Waterways Ireland. 167Environment and Climate

8. Page 168

   Cite this pagePDF p. 168 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   There are significant opportunities to develop a number of flagship greenways in the Region; Greenways; The Dublin – Galway greenway offers potential to link the marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands and connect to the EuroVelo network of long-distance European cycling trails. Other regional greenways under development include the East Coast trail with potential to extend cross border to the Newry to Carlingford Greenway and the Old Rail Trail between Athlone to Mullingar, which highlights the potential to develop disused railway lines in the Region. The Blessington Greenway – approved extension around Blessington Lake, taking in the surrounding villages of Lackan and Ballyknockan and offers the potential to attract people to work and visit the area and surrounding villages. The Wicklow Way hiking route from Dublin to the Blackstairs Mountains would benefit from improved facilities and connections into the informal mountain walks in Wicklow Mountains National Park. Blueways; The development of navigable inland waterways in collaboration with Waterways Ireland including; the Shannon and Shannon-Erne connecting the islands of Lough Ree, Clonmacmoise and Shannon harbour; linking the Royal Canal with the Grand Canal along the River Shannon; the Barrow Way from Lowtown to Graiguecullen / Carlow; and the emerging Boyne Blueway. There is further potential to position the Dublin Docklands as a significant water-focussed amenity and develop the Grand Canal and Spencer Docks as the urban gateways to the Grand and Royal Canals. Blueways are particularly important for water quality, fisheries and ecological habitats, and for activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. Peatways; There is potential in the midlands to develop a regional peatway interconnecting a range of biodiversity and cultural hotspots such as the Mesolithic (first settlers) site in Lough Boora, Co. Offaly and the Iron Age bog road in Corlea, Co.Longford. There is also potential to enhance access and link into trails in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Ireland’s central plain. Careful routing and design is needed to ensure that greenways do not impact negatively on agriculture, natural heritage or the biodiversity value of natural ecological corridors such as rivers and canals or on coastal habitats. Planning has a key role to play in developing and connecting the regional greenway network for nature conservation, recreation and tourism to support the diversification of rural economies and promote more sustainable travel modes, particularly in urban areas, see also Chapter 5 MASP for greenways in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Greenways, Blueways and Peatways RPO 7.24: Promote the development of a sustainable Strategic Greenway Network of national and regional routes, with a number of high capacity flagship routes that can be extended and /or linked with local greenways and other cycling and walking infrastructure, notwithstanding that capacity of a greenway is limited to what is ecologically sustainable. RPO 7.25: Support local authorities and state agencies in the delivery of sustainable strategic greenways, blueways, and peatways projects in the Region under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVE: Riparian setbacks RPO 7.26 Support the development of guidance for assessment of proposed land zonings in order to achieve appropriate riparian setback distances that support the attainment of high ecological status for waterbodies, the conservation of biodiversity and good ecosystem health, and buffer zones from flood plains. 168 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

9. Page 169

   Cite this pagePDF p. 169 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
   7.8 Landscape The RSES recognises the important place of landscape considerations, including in terms of placemaking, culture and attractiveness. The diverse range of scenic landscapes of the Region stretch from the Irish Sea and the eastern seaboard with its islands, seascapes, waterscapes, beaches, bays and estuaries westwards to the River Shannon and its callows; and to the lakes, wetlands, fens, eskers, bogs and agricultural lands in between. The Region is home to the Slieve Bloom and the Wicklow Mountains and significant natural and built watercourses such as the Royal and Grand canals and the rolling riverine landscapes of the Boyne, Liffey, Barrow and Nore River Valleys and a number of historic and demesne landscapes, planned estates and gardens. Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors (Article 1a of the European Landscape Convention). Ireland signed and ratified the Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention (ELC) which promotes a wider concept of the landscape as defined by the interaction of both human and natural, covering urban, peri-urban and rural areas as well as land, inland waters, coastal and marine areas. The ELC recognises the importance of all landscapes, and not just exceptional landscapes, as having a crucial bearing on quality of life and as deserving attention in landscape policy. It aims to encourage public bodies to adopt policies and measures at national, regional and local level to promote, manage and plan landscapes. In an Irish context the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 will continue to govern decision making in relation to landscape. The National Landscape Strategy for Ireland (NLS) provides a high-level policy framework to achieve balance between the protection, management and planning of the landscape by way of supporting actions. The NLS recognises the importance of landscape protection and its interconnectivity with biodiversity and climate change. The Strategy includes a core objective to develop a national Landscape Character Assessment, to provide a framework for greater consistency in the approach to landscape classification and assessment to ensure the conservation of special landscape areas, which by their nature often extend across administrative boundaries. Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a tool for identifying the features that give a specific area its ‘sense of place’. Landscape characterisation should be integrated with and, where appropriate, informed by green infrastructure strategies. The NLS identifies the need for a national GIS platform to provide the structure for on-going collection, monitoring and review of the landscape’s physical, scientific, ecological, biodiversity and cultural assets. Although a number of local authorities in the Region have undertaken landscape character assessments, there remain gaps in coverage and inconsistencies in approach. The national landscape character assessment, when complete, will provide consistency in how we characterise and connect with the landscape, and provide a framework for regional and local landscape character assessments. 169Environment and Climate

10. Page 170

    Cite this pagePDF p. 170 (opens the publisher’s copy in a new tab)
    Soils The main pressures on soil resources in Ireland arise from intensive agriculture and organic waste disposal, inappropriately located forestry, industry, peat extraction, urbanisation and infrastructure development. Soil sealing - covering the ground with an impermeable material – is one of the main causes of soil degradation and affects fertile agricultural land, impacts biodiversity, increases flood risk and water scarcity and contributes to climate change. See Chapter 10 Infrastructure for policies on SuDS and permeable surfaces. Farming Traditional farm landscapes are a highly valued asset in the Region, varying from horticultural produce in Dublin and Eastern counties, beef and dairy in the Midlands, and sheep grazing in the Region’s uplands. Farming in the Region faces multiple challenges. Due to increasing urbanisation, agricultural land surrounding cities and towns as well as green areas within them are subjected to increasing development pressures, particularly in Dublin and Eastern counties. There is a key role for local authorities and the Regional Assembly to work together to ensure integrated land use management and planning to support the sustainable development of rural areas in our Region. Agriculture also faces political, environmental and climatic issues. Brexit and upcoming CAP reforms have the potential to negatively impact agriculture across the Region, particularly relating to livestock and dairy production. To limit the negative environmental impacts of farming, and considering the agricultural growth targets set out in Food Wise 2025, agriculture within the Region will have to adapt. Expansion of current practices would almost certainly lead to increased biodiversity loss, as well as more nitrate contamination of our water courses. From a climate perspective, business as usual will result in Ireland’s failure to meet our national, European and international climate targets. By addressing these challenges, there is an opportunity to support low carbon and low impact farming such as local agri-food, biomass production, permaculture, appropriate agri-forestry and incorporating circular economy thinking by using anaerobic digesters to produce renewable electricity, heat and gas from farm wastes. Peatlands Peatlands form unique landscapes which can act as amenity areas for locals and visitors and support a variety of outdoor activities such as hill-walking, wildlife watching and fishing which bring economic benefits in remote areas. Peatlands are also considered amongst the most important ecosystems in the world, because of their key value for biodiversity, regulation of climate, water filtration and supply. There has been significant damage to peatlands in our Region due to peat extraction and agricultural improvement together with the associated drainage and burning related to these land uses. The National Peatland’s Strategy produced by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the NPWS aims to provide a long-term management framework to optimise the social, environmental and economic contribution of all peatlands within the State, setting out supports, structures, funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to promote a partnership approach to their sustainable development. Bord na Mona, as one of largest peatland landowners, is an important stakeholder in the future use of peatlands. Its Strategic Framework for the Future Use of Peatlands indicates that sites that have been cutaway will be made available for alternative uses including alternative energy (wind, biomass), agriculture & horticulture, forestry, biodiversity and ecosystem services, amenity and tourism. The National Peatlands Strategy also discusses future uses of peatlands. There is recognition for the wide range of stakeholders interested in peatland management including; turf cutters, industry, non-governmental organisation conservationists, state agencies and local residents. The Lough Boora Discovery park in Co Offaly is a Bord na Móna cutaway bog, which has been developed as an outdoor amenity area with restored wetland and woodland habitats that provide important habitats for a wide diversity of animals birds and plants. It includes a sculpture park, angling and bird watching facilities and extensive walking routes. There is potential to develop a regional peatway connecting natural and cultural attractions and the Mesolithic (Iron age) bog trails and to develop a National Park based on the raised bog peatlands of the Midlands area, see also Section 7.7 Green Infrastructure. 170 Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

Source Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031 (June 2019) · 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.