South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement

1. Page 101

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202898Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) Policy NCBH8: Dodder River Valley Protect and enhance the visual, recreational, environmental, ecological, geological and amenity value of the Dodder Valley, as a key element of the County’s Green Infrastructure network. NCBH8 Objective 1: To restrict development within areas designated with Zoning Objective ‘HA-DV’ (To protect and enhance the outstanding character and amenity of the Dodder Valley) and ensure that new development: à does not significantly negatively impact on cultural heritage assets, on sensitive habitats, species, and ecosystem services; à is related to the area’s amenity potential; à is designed and sited to minimise environmental and visual impacts; and à enhances the County’s green infrastructure network. NCBH8 Objective 2: To ensure that development within the Dodder Valley will not prejudice the future creation and development of further interconnected public parklands along the River Dodder. NCBH8 Objective 3: To recognise the key role the Dodder River plays as an ecological corridor and a provider of ecosystem services in the County’s Green Infrastructure, by facilitating and supporting the continued development of the Dodder Valley (Zoning Objective ‘HA-DV’) as a linear park, greenway, and an area of high amenity, recreational, heritage, geology, biodiversity and conservation value. NCBH8 Objective 4: Within areas designated ‘High Amenity – Dodder Valley’, non-residential development will only be permitted where it: à relates to the area’s amenity potential or to its use for agriculture or recreational purposes, including recreational buildings and accessibility; or à comprises the redevelopment of or extensions to existing commercial or civic uses or development of new commercial or civic uses within an existing established area of commercial or civic activity; and à preserves or improves the amenity value of the river valley including its landscape value, views or vistas of the river valley and its biodiversity value. NCBH8 Objective 5: To protect the upper Dodder Valley from Old Bawn Bridge to Fort Bridge as an ecological network free from intrusive lighting, facilitating the protection of light-sensitive species availing of the river corridor, and providing an appropriate urban / rural transition experience for all.

2. Page 102

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-202899Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) Grand Canal The Grand Canal (pNHA) is an artificial linear waterway that hosts a rich variety of habitats and plant and animal species, including protected species. It acts as a direct national link and an ecological corridor between the River Shannon and Dublin Bay and is a key element in South Dublin County’s ecological and green infrastructure network. The Grand Canal is recognised as a proposed Natural Heritage Area. The construction of the Grand Canal commenced in South Dublin County in 1756, at a location west of Clondalkin. Today, the Canal with its associated locks, canal buildings and mill structures contribute to the unique setting and historic character of South Dublin County. Its towpaths also provide an uninterrupted corridor for pedestrian and cyclist movement, while the linear feature itself acts as a corridor for wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem services. The protection of the Canal landscape and its environment is a priority of the Development Plan. Policy NCBH9: Grand Canal Protect and promote the Grand Canal as a key component of the County’s Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services network, and protect and enhance the visual, recreational, environmental, ecological, industrial heritage and amenity value of the Grand Canal, recognising its sensitivities as a proposed Natural Heritage Area with adjacent wetlands and associated habitats. NCBH9 Objective 1: To protect and enhance the important biodiversity resource offered by the Grand Canal, recognising and protecting the vital function that the Canal provides as a key corridor for habitats and wildlife from the River Shannon to Dublin Bay. NCBH9 Objective 2: To facilitate the appropriate development of the Grand Canal as a recreational route for walking, cycling, nature study and water-based activities including fishing, canal boating, rowing, paddle boarding and canoeing / kayaking, subject to environmental safeguards and assessments. NCBH9 Objective 3: To ensure that development along or adjacent to the Grand Canal contributes to the creation of an integrated network of appropriately designed walking and cycling routes connecting with the Grand Canal Way Green Route and which takes due cognisance of the sensitive nature of this national ecological corridor. NCB9 Objective 4: To ensure that development along and adjacent to the Grand Canal protects and incorporates natural heritage features including watercourses, wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, mature trees, hedgerows and ditches and includes an appropriate set-back distance or buffer area from the pNHA boundary to facilitate protected species and biodiversity and a fully functioning Green Infrastructure network.

3. Page 103

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028100Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) NCBH9 Objective 5: To ensure that development along or adjacent to the Grand Canal protects, incorporates and enhances built and industrial heritage features, particularly historic canal and mill buildings, and also sets out to protect the setting of such built heritage features. NCBH9 Objective 6: To seek the extension of the Grand Canal Way Green Route from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch in partnership with Waterways Ireland and Kildare County Council, as one of the priority projects of the Cycle South Dublin programme, ensuring the safeguarding and enhancement of the ecological sensitivities as identified along this section of the Canal. NCBH9 Objective 7: To ensure that all development proposals along the Grand Canal are accompanied by an EcIA (ecological impact assessment) prepared by a qualified ecologist and that the recommendations of the EcIA are incorporated into any development proposals including a landscape plan prepared by a qualified landscape architect. Where new canal crossings (that is, footbridges / cycle bridges) are proposed, they should be designed so as to avoid fragmentation of linear habitat associated with the Grand Canal. 3.3.5 Invasive Species Invasive species of flora and fauna can represent a major threat to local, regional and national biodiversity, and pose a significant threat to native vegetation and wildlife by destroying their habitats or by introducing new diseases. Their prevalence can be accelerated by climate change and can have detrimental economic impacts on agricultural and forestry sectors. Prohibitions are in place in relation to the introduction or dispersal of certain invasive species as set out in the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 / 2011). A list of invasive species in Ireland is available from the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Policy NCBH10: Invasive Species Protect against and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species within the County and require landowners and developers to adhere to best practice guidance in relation to the control of invasive species. NCBH10 Objective 1: To ensure that development proposals do not lead to the spread or introduction of invasive species. If developments are proposed on sites where invasive species are or were previously present, applicants should submit a control and management programme with measures to prevent, control and / or eradicate the particular invasive species as part of the planning process and to comply with the provisions of the European Communities Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477 / 2011).

4. Page 104

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028101Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) NCBH10 Objective 2: To ensure that the Council promptly and appropriately treats invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, including where notified by members of the public that such species, located on public lands, pose a potential threat to property. 3.3.6 Protection of Trees and Hedgerows Trees contribute greatly to visual amenity by creating a setting for buildings and softening and greening streetscapes in built-up areas and by adding significant visual interest in more rural areas. Hedgerows often mark historic field patterns and townland boundaries and significantly enhance the landscape character of rural areas. Trees and hedgerows also perform a vital role as wildlife habitats, biodiversity corridors and essential green elements in the County’s green infrastructure network. They have a further crucial role in carbon sequestration (capturing and storing carbon), contributing to the alleviation of climate change. The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) allows Planning Authorities to make provision for the preservation of any tree, trees, group of trees or woodlands by way of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) where it is carried out in the interest of expediency, amenity or the environment. There is a total of four TPOs registered within the County, which are listed in Table 3.3 and identified on the Development Plan land-use zoning maps. The Council’s Tree Management Policy Living with Trees (2021-2026) sets out a proactive tree management programme to expand the tree canopy in the County and includes a section on TPOs. Table 3.3: Tree Preservation Orders Tree Preservation Order Location Dublin County Council Tree Preservation Order (St Brigid’s Clondalkin) Order 1973 St Brigid’s (now Newlands Garden Centre), New Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Dublin County Council Tree Preservation Order (Beaufort Downs, Rathfarnham) Order 1987 Beaufort Downs, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. Dublin County Council Tree Preservation Order (Quarryvale, Brooklawn) (Liffey Valley No.1) Order 1990 Townland of Quarryvale and Brooklawn, Palmerstown, Dublin 20. South Dublin County Council Tree Preservation Order (Coolamber Site) Order 2015 Newcastle Road, Lucan.

5. Page 105

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028102Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) Policy NCBH11: Tree Preservation Orders and Other Tree / Hedgerow Protections Review Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) within the County and maintain the conservation value of trees and groups of trees that are the subject of a Tree Preservation Order while also recognising the value of and protecting trees and hedgerows which are not subject to a TPO. NCBH11 Objective 1: To review Tree Preservation Orders within the County and maintain the conservation value of trees and groups of trees that are the subject of any Tree Preservation Order. NCBH11 Objective 2: To regularly evaluate and identify trees of amenity value within the County with a view to making them the subject of Tree Preservation Orders or otherwise protecting them and to furnish information to the public in this regard. NCBH11 Objective 3: To protect and retain existing trees, hedgerows, and woodlands which are of amenity and / or biodiversity and / or carbon sequestration value and / or contribute to landscape character and ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and management taking into account Living with Trees: South Dublin County Council’s Tree Management Policy (2015-2020) or any superseding document and to ensure that where retention is not possible that a high value biodiversity provision is secured as part of the phasing of any development to protect the amenity of the area. NCBH11 Objective 4: To protect the hedgerows of the County, acknowledging their role as wildlife habitats, biodiversity corridors, links within the County’s green infrastructure network, their visual amenity and landscape character value and their significance as demarcations of historic field patterns and townland boundaries. (Refer also to Chapter 4: Green Infrastructure). NCBH11 Objective 5: To ensure that intact hedgerows / trees will be maintained above the 120m contour line within the County ensuring that the strong rural character will not be diluted and that important heritage features and potential wildlife corridors are protected. 3.3.7 Geology The geology of South Dublin County is recognised as an intrinsic component of the County’s natural heritage resource. Its fertile low-lying limestone soils formed the foundation of the County’s rich agricultural heritage while its deposits of sands, gravels, and rock in the uplands sustained generations of extractive industries. This geology is represented by three main periods of geological activity. The oldest geology is in the southwestern part of the County. This is composed of Ordovician volcanic rocks and Silurian sedimentary rocks, formed on the floors of

6. Page 106

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028103Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) ancient seas approximately 470 to 440 million years ago. These were uplifted to form higher ground which was then injected with large masses of granite during the Devonian Period around 405 million years ago. South Dublin County marks the northern end of the Leinster Granite chain. As well as granite, a series of dolerite dykes were also intruded across South Dublin County and these can be seen today in Ballinascorney Quarry. The northern half of the County is formed of younger Carboniferous Limestone rocks, deposited in a deep marine basin around 340 million years ago. This limestone is a muddy limestone known as Calp, and it underlies most of Dublin County. This form of limestone is well displayed in the Belgard Quarry. The third element of the County’s geological heritage is represented by the most recent Quaternary period. This commenced approximately 2 million years ago and involved numerous warm periods interspersed by Ice Ages. Ice eroded the previously created rocky landscape and deposited glacial gravels and sands in places such as the eskers in Greenhills and Lucan, and the extensive plains around Brittas in the south end of the County. Since the end of the last Ice Age 10,000 year ago, rivers like the Dodder have modified these glacial sediments, forming meandering river terraces. Sites of Geological Interest in South Dublin County An audit of the geological heritage of South Dublin County in 2014 identified 10 sites of particular geological interest in South Dublin County, as set out in Table 3.4. This survey was undertaken in conjunction with the objectives of the Irish Geological Heritage Programme of the Geological Survey of Ireland which aims to identify County Geological Sites (CGS) for recognition and protection in County Development Plans. These 10 County Geological Sites represent South Dublin County’s geological history, comprising sites that display Carboniferous limestone, Caledonian dolerites and Ordovician siltstones, and the consequences of the glacial history of the Quaternary period. The County Geological Sites are recognised as an intrinsic component of South Dublin County’s natural heritage resource, to be protected from potentially damaging development and to be promoted for their educational, scientific, recreational, and geo-tourism potential. The County Geological Sites protected under this Development Plan are mapped on the land-use zoning maps that accompany this written statement. The nature and operation of extractive industries and road construction projects often reveals and exposes areas of geological interest. When these industries and projects are undertaken in conjunction with appropriate planning and recording objectives, the ongoing operation of these activities is considered to be generally compatible with objectives for the protection and promotion of geological heritage. The inclusion of County Geological Sites in the County Development Plan therefore

7. Page 107

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028104Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) provides protection for these sites by requiring adherence to appropriate planning mechanisms, thereby avoiding inadvertent damage or eradication of important geological records. Such planning mechanisms also provide for a wider public consultation and debate while striving to achieve the sustainable management of the County’s natural resources. Table 3.4: Geological Sites for Protection County Geological Sites Location / Townland Summary Description Dodder Terraces Kiltipper, Ballymace, Friarstown Upper, Bohernabreena, Killininny, Tallaght, Tymon South, Knocklyon, Templeogue, Oldbawn Flat-topped elevated terraces that formed river floodplain along the Dodder River during the last deglaciation Greenhills Esker Kilnamanagh, Tymon North Large ridge comprising sand and gravel Kippure Powerscourt Mountain, Kippure, Castlekelly Landmark mountain with eroded peat, exposed granite sands, and granite blocks Lucan Esker Lucan and Pettycanon, Esker South Large ridge comprising sand and gravel Newcastle Buried Channel Newcastle Farm, Newcastle Demesne, Glebe, Athgoe North, Newcastle South, Ballynakelly, Newcastle North, Cornerpark, Commons Little A deep buried channel in the Carboniferous Limestone bedrock, representing the site of a former Vauclusian Spring type cave (a large resurgence of groundwater from a cave) Brittas Gravel Complex Calliaghstown Upper, Slievethoul, Slademore, Crockaunadreenagh, Brittas Little, Brittas Big, Glenaraneen, Lugg, Raheen, Gortlum, Mountseskin, Aghfarrell, Ballinascorney Upper Large accumulation of deposited sands and gravels Belgard Quarry Cheeverstown, Belgard, Bedlesshill, Kingswood Large working quarry - Carboniferous limestone

8. Page 108

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028105Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) Liffey Valley Centre Road Sections Yellow Walls, Irishtown, Quarryvale Roadside exposures of Calp limestones N4 Lucan cutting Lucan and Pettycanon, Esker South Roadside exposure of Calp limestones Ballinascorney Quarry Ballinascorney Upper Large abandoned quarry - Caledonian dolerite and Ordovician siltstones Monastery Road Quarry* Monastery Road, Clondalkin Limestone Quarry including cliffs * Inserted without GSI recommendation Policy NCB12: Geological Sites Maintain the conservation value and seek the sustainable management of the County’s geological heritage resource. NCBH12 Objective 1: To protect identified County Geological Sites from inappropriate development, avoiding potential conflicts with other ecological and cultural assets by engaging in consultation, and to promote the importance and potential of such sites through the County’s Heritage Plan. 3.4 Cultural Heritage The cultural heritage of the County is rich and varied and reflects the different origins, distinct cultural identities and development patterns that have evolved around the amalgamation of previously industrial and rural villages that make up the County. Cultural heritage is the link between natural and built heritage; it encompasses the human influence on the natural environment, including our landscapes with their field patterns, our industrial heritage of mill buildings, canal locks and weirs and the rich archaeological history reflected in monuments that are visible above ground and those found below ground. Cultural heritage also embraces the County’s traditional customs, music, oral history, language, beliefs, skills and folklore. This intangible heritage is not static, but changes and evolves over time. 3.4.1 Statutory Context and Planning Policy Guidance for Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage is embedded in planning policy at national and regional levels through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). The National Planning Framework (NPF) recognises ‘Enhanced Amenities and Heritage’ as a National Strategic Outcome and sees our natural, cultural and built heritage as a having a fundamental value that adds to the identity and sense of place of urban and rural areas. Promotion and safeguarding of the Irish language and

9. Page 109

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   SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028106Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) culture is also one of the NPF objectives. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) views cultural heritage as the fabric of our lives and societies, surrounding us in the buildings of our towns and cities, our landscapes, natural sites, monuments and archaeological sites, as something that brings communities together and builds shared understandings of the places in which we live. The RSES sets out Regional Strategic Outcomes which are aligned with international, EU and national policy and specifically identifies ‘Creative Places’ as one of these outcomes. It recognises the need to enhance, integrate and protect our arts, culture and heritage assets to promote creative places and heritage led regeneration. A number of objectives in these documents are particularly relevant to the area of cultural heritage: à National Policy Objective (NPO) 17 of the NPF requires planning authorities to ‘Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, social, economic and cultural value of built heritage assets through appropriate and sensitive use now and for future generations’; à NPO 60 states ‘Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their significance’; à NPO 29 is to ‘Support the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks’; à NPO 61 seeks to ‘Facilitate landscape protection, management and change through the preparation of a National Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, (including historic landscape characterisation) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries’; and à Regional Policy Objective 9.25 of the RSES is to ‘Seek to work with all relevant stakeholders to promote equality of access to and engagement with arts and cultural services and in the promotion of culture and heritage led urban and rural regeneration’. Other relevant national and regional objectives are referred to by reference number within individual policies and objectives and a comprehensive list of national and regional objectives is set out in Appendix 7. 3.4.2 Archaeology Archaeological heritage, whether known, newly discovered, or yet to be discovered, is protected by the National Monuments Acts (1930-2004). The ‘Framework and Principles for the Protection of Archaeological Heritage’ (DAHGI, 1999) sets out national policy on the protection of archaeological heritage within the planning process. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) lists structures, features, objects or sites of archaeological heritage which are known as Recorded Monuments. This list is compiled by the National Monuments Services of the Department of Housing, Local

10. Page 110

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    SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028107Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage (NCBH) Government and Heritage. Our archaeological heritage includes structures, constructions, groups of buildings, moveable objects, developed sites and all recorded monuments whether situated on land or underground. The RMP for South Dublin County is listed in Appendix 3B of the Plan and individual monuments are identified on the Development Plan Maps. Each Recorded Monument is identified with a boundary defining a Zone of Archaeological Potential, where available, which includes areas in proximity to the Recorded Monument and is essentially included as part of the Recorded Monument but does not necessarily define the full extent of the site or monument. Zones of Archaeological Potential are demarcated around the historic centres of most of the villages of the County. Certain monuments or the remains of a monument on the RMP that have been deemed to be of national importance are designated as National Monuments. The qualities of archaeological and architectural interest are not mutually exclusive and certain structures may be designated as both a Protected Structure and a Recorded Monument. Policy NCBH13: Archaeological Heritage Manage development in a manner that protects and conserves the Archaeological Heritage of the County and avoids adverse impacts on sites, monuments, features or objects of significant historical or archaeological interest. NCBH13 Objective 1: To favour the preservation in-situ of all sites, monuments and features of significant historical or archaeological interest in accordance with the recommendations of the Framework and Principles for the Protection of Archaeological Heritage, DAHGI (1999), or any superseding national policy document. NCB13 Objective 2: To ensure that development is designed to avoid impacting on archaeological heritage including previously unknown sites, features and objects. NCBH13 Objective 3: To protect and enhance sites listed in the Record of Monuments and Places and ensure that development in the vicinity of a Recorded Monument or Area of Archaeological Potential does not detract from the setting of the site, monument, feature or object and is sited and designed appropriately. NCBH13 Objective 4: To protect and preserve the archaeological value of underwater archaeological sites including associated features and any discovered battlefield sites of significant archaeological potential within the County.

Source South Dublin County Council: South Dublin 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.