Development plan · South Dublin County Council
South Dublin 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.
South Dublin County Council · 2022–2028 · 584 pages
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- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028139Green Infrastructure (GI) Vision Promote the development of an integrated GI network for South Dublin County working with and enhancing existing biodiversity and natural heritage, improving our resilience to climate change and enabling the role of GI in delivering sustainable communities to provide environmental, economic and social benefits. Green Infrastructure
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028140Green Infrastructure (GI)140 4.0 Introduction This chapter of the Development Plan, alongside the associated maps, sets out the Green Infrastructure Strategy for the County. The EU defines Green Infrastructure (GI) as: “ a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services such as water purification, air quality, space for recreation and climate mitigation and adaptation.” It comprises the interconnected network of natural, semi-natural and artificial habitats, green spaces and ecological assets that traverse our urban and rural areas. A healthy and well-connected GI network provides a range of social, economic and ecological benefits. Protecting natural features and combating habitat fragmentation improves biodiversity, filters pollutants and helps to improve air and water quality as well as preventing flooding by helping to control surface water runoff. From a placemaking perspective, it is an asset that can raise the profile of the County, influence business decisions to invest and encourage people to live and work in the County. As an integral component of building well designed and sustainable communities it is key to the success of the overall concept of connected, compact growth avoiding the damage created to the environment and climate through urban sprawl and facilitating improved physical and mental wellbeing. In this way GI is a holistic approach to land use planning which balances spatial, social and economic development in a way that enhances the natural environment. 4.0.1 GI and Climate Action Since the publication of the previous County Development Plan 2016-2022, the wider legislative and policy landscape underpinning GI planning has evolved. It is acknowledged that we are living in an era of damaging climate change and biodiversity loss. In acknowledgement of this, the government has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and has increased our targets towards a carbon neutral economy. The likely impacts of climate change in South Dublin County include increased flooding risk, increased frequency of summer drought conditions as well as deteriorating air and water quality and biodiversity loss. GI is now considered to be essential to the success of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures through nature-based solutions. While recognising that future development will result in higher energy demands, the potential for the environment to act as a balance to climate change is now central to the national and regional policy approach to climate change. GI includes urban and rural components, some natural, some man made. Through evaporation, cooling and shading it also assists in the management of temperature. The integration of GI into new development and retrofitting in existing areas contributes to sustainable development, placemaking and the success of the compact growth approach.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028141Green Infrastructure (GI) Balance is the key to the success of the GI based approach to climate action. Increased densities should be delivered in tandem with sustainable GI and other mitigation measures such as increased use of renewable technologies (See Chapter 10: Energy). 4.0.2 Planning Policy Context Development Plan policies and objectives must be consistent with national and regional planning policy as set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). A number of policies and objectives in these documents are particularly relevant to the role of GI in national and regional policy: à National Policy Objective (NPO) 58 requires that ‘Integrated planning for GI and ecosystem services will be incorporated into the preparation of statutory land use plans’. The NPF also states that GI planning will inform the preparation of regional and metropolitan strategies and city and county development plans by: à Assisting in accommodating growth and expansion, while retaining the intrinsic value of natural places and natural assets; à Providing increased certainty in planning by proactively addressing relevant environmental issues; à Encouraging more collaborative approaches to plan-making by enabling examination of the interactions between future development requirements and the capacity of receiving areas; and à Ensuring that sufficient and well-planned green spaces, commensurate in scale to long-term development requirements, are designated in statutory plans. Under GI-Biodiversity-Landscape, the NPF notes that: ‘It is also important to consider the interrelationships between biodiversity, natural heritage, landscape and our green spaces’. à NPO 59 requires that Local Authorities ‘Enhance the conservation status and improve the management of protected areas and protected species’; à NPO 60 requires that policy ‘Conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural and cultural heritage of Ireland in manner appropriate to their significance’; à NPO 62 requires that policy ‘Identify and strengthen the value of greenbelts and green spaces at a regional and city scale, to enable enhanced connectivity to wider strategic networks, prevent coalescence of settlements and to allow for the long-term strategic expansion of urban areas’. The RSES also provides clear guidance for Local Authorities on climate action and GI. The RSES provides for ‘Enhanced GI’ as a key Regional Strategic Outcome:
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028142Green Infrastructure (GI) à RSO 10: Enhanced GI ‘Identify, protect and enhance GI and ecosystem services in the Region and promote the sustainable management of strategic natural assets such as our coastlines, farmlands, peatlands, uplands woodlands and wetlands (NSO 8, 9)’. The Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) included in the RSES identifies key GI assets within the Dublin Metropolitan Area, several of which are located in South Dublin County. These include the Dublin / Wicklow Mountains, River Dodder, the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area and Tymon Park, all of which are incorporated into the GI Strategy. The Climate Strategy of the optimum development scenario for the RSES states that it is policy to ‘support achievement of our national climate obligations, and also to develop regional GI and ecosystem services together with site-based alternatives for adaptation / mitigation of impacts in strategic development locations’. It further states that Local Authorities should follow the ecosystem services approach integrating biodiversity protection, water management and climate action. It requires Local Authorities to ensure the protection of GI assets through the development management process and to facilitate the interconnection of GI assets across the region. Local Authorities are asked to consider opportunities for carbon sequestration (capturing and storing carbon) and integration of natural and built heritage when considering development. à RPO 7.12 ‘Local Authorities shall promote an Ecosystem Services Approach in the preparation of statutory land use plans’. à RPO 7.16 ‘Support the implementation of the Habitats Directive in achieving an improvement in the conservation status of protected species and habitats in the region and ensure alignment between the core objectives of the EU birds and Habitats Directives and local authority development plans’ à RPO 7.17 ‘Facilitate cross boundary co-ordination between local authorities and the relevant agencies in the Region to provide clear governance arrangements and co-ordination mechanisms to support the development of ecological networks and enhanced connectivity between protected sites while also addressing the need for management of alien invasive species and the conservation of native species’. There are many other relevant national and regional policy objectives. These are referenced by number within individual Development Plan policies and objectives in this chapter and are set out in full at Appendix 7. 4.1 Methodology An iterative approach was employed in the formulation of this strategy, with policy proposals and objectives based on a detailed assessment of the existing GI network in the County. The County’s parks, open spaces, rivers, waterbodies, habitats, natura sites, landscape character types (see Chapter 3: Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage)
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028143Green Infrastructure (GI) and other green and blue assets were mapped in detail. The blueprint of the existing GI network in the County has emerged from this process (See Figure 4.3). Analysis of the potential of the existing elements and assets have led to the identification of key GI assets along with the development of a vision and spatial framework for GI in the County. This highlights existing strengths and opportunities to further expand and enhance the County’s GI network. The GI framework is based on the identification of a network of core areas, stepping stones and local and strategic corridors. A detailed analysis of the quality and potential opportunities presented by these assets, produced a suite of objectives, which when delivered will see the emergence of a robust GI infrastructure. The Strategy will serve the County and the region for generations to come, and in the longer term fulfil the requirements of national and regional policy. Six strategic GI corridors and associated objectives are set out in this chapter. A further eleven local corridors, which link to and enhance the primary corridors, together with objectives for the protection and future enhancement of these corridors - is set out in Appendix 4: Green Infrastructure, Local Objectives and Case Studies. Policy GI1: Overarching Protect, enhance and further develop a multifunctional GI network, using an ecosystem services approach, protecting, enhancing and further developing the identified interconnected network of parks, open spaces, natural features, protected areas, and rivers and streams that provide a shared space for amenity and recreation, biodiversity protection, water quality, flood management and adaptation to climate change. GI1 Objective 1: To establish a coherent, integrated and evolving GI Network across South Dublin County with parks, open spaces, hedgerows, trees including public street trees and native mini woodlands (Miyawaki-Style), grasslands, protected areas and rivers and streams and other green and blue assets forming strategic links and to integrate and incorporate the objectives of the GI Strategy throughout all relevant land use plans and development in the County. GI1 Objective 2: To implement and monitor the South Dublin County GI Strategy during the lifetime of this plan and develop a fit for purpose GI scoring for the County which will support ongoing identification, protection, enhancement and management of GI in the County and which will enable the assessment and monitoring of GI interventions in the County. GI1 Objective 3: To facilitate the development and enhancement of sensitive access to and connectivity between areas of interest for residents, wildlife and biodiversity, and other distinctive landscapes as focal features for linkages between natural, semi natural and formalised green spaces where feasible and ensuring that there is no adverse impact (directly, indirectly or cumulatively) on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 sites and protected habitats outside of Natura 2000 sites.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028144Green Infrastructure (GI) GI1 Objective 4: To require development to incorporate GI as an integral part of the design and layout concept for all development in the County including but not restricted to residential, commercial and mixed use through the explicit identification of GI as part of a landscape plan, identifying environmental assets and including proposals which protect, manage and enhance GI resources providing links to local and countywide GI networks. GI1 Objective 5: Continue to liaise with adjoining local authorities to ensure the protection and enhancement of cross county GI corridors. GI1 Objective 6: To collaborate with Kildare County Council to identify a common approach to a greenbelt / green spaces between the growing settlements within South Dublin and Kildare County Councils within the lifetime of the Development Plan and to advise the councillors of any such collaboration and proposed study or approach. GI1 Objective 7: To develop linked corridors of small urban ‘Miyawaki’ native mini-woodlands, a minimum of 100 sq m in size, to capture carbon and encourage biodiversity in suitable existing built-up areas, in low grade parkland, and other areas of zoned lands where deemed suitable and appropriate. GI1 Objective 8: To increase over the lifetime of this plan the percentage of land in the County, including residential, managed for biodiversity including supporting the delivery of the objectives of the County Pollinator Plan and to continue to investigate the potential for the use of low-mow methods during the lifetime of the Plan. 4.2 Strategic Themes GI planning is a positive and proactive approach to land use planning that aims to secure the delivery of a broad range of ecosystem services. It is multifunctional and can deliver multiple and mutual environmental, social and economic benefits. The GI policies for South Dublin County are organised under the following five themes in order to reflect this broad range of ecosystem services and benefits it provides. These themes are mutually supporting, with specific policies helping to contribute to a stronger and more resilient county-wide GI Network. Key Themes: 1. Biodiversity 2. Sustainable Water Management 3. Climate Resilience 4. Recreation and Amenity (Human Health and Wellbeing) 5. Landscape, Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028145Green Infrastructure (GI) 4.2.1. Biodiversity Biodiversity encompasses all of the different kinds of life on earth and the various ways these lifeforms interact with each other and their environment. The complex interactions that occur between different species and organisms are essential to support and sustain human life. Clean air and water, food, medicine and other natural resources that are essential to everyday life are all dependent on the protection and development of healthy, biodiverse habitats and ecosystems. Healthy biodiversity is at the core of the ecosystem services approach to development. Ecosystems and biodiversity help mitigate climate change impacts, by absorbing excess flood water or buffering us against extreme weather events. Forests, peatlands and other habitats are major stores of carbon. Protecting them can also help us limit atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. This Plan adopts a proactive approach to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity in South Dublin County by promoting the protection of existing and the restoration of degraded habitats in the County and combating habitat fragmentation through the recognition within the GI strategy of the contribution of biodiversity to the enhancement of existing and creation of new linkages and corridors as part of the County’s GI network. “Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes genetic diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.” United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. From the foothills of the Dublin Mountains to the Liffey Valley and the local and regional parks in between, South Dublin County contains a wide range of biodiversity-rich areas. Several of these habitats are protected at the European level under the Birds and Habitats Directives and are designated as part of the Europewide Natura 2000 network. The three Natura 2000 sites in South Dublin County are Glenasmole Valley SAC, and the Dublin / Wicklow Mountains SAC and SPA (refer to Chapter 3: Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage). Seven sites of special ecological interest in the County are designated as proposed Natural Heritage Areas, including the Dodder Valley, Liffey Valley and Lugmore Glen. The Plan promotes the full utilisation of local planning powers to minimise the risk of degradation to these areas. The regional and local parks and public open spaces within the County serve as home to various native plant, animal and bird species and are important areas of biodiversity in their own right. The Plan aims to enhance the biodiversity of these existing public open spaces and promote the development of new local parks and spaces, to protect and promote biodiversity across the County. Native pollinator species, such as the bumblebee and honeybee perform a vital role in
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028146Green Infrastructure (GI) preserving Ireland’s biodiversity by pollinating crops, plants and flowers. The All- Ireland Pollinator Plan aims to provide for the protection of pollinators, many of which have suffered decline in recent years due to habitat fragmentation and the use of pesticides. The National Plan contains a variety of measures aimed at supporting pollinator species, such as reducing use of pesticides, creating wildflower meadows and reducing the frequency of mowing on publicly owned green spaces. The Council has incorporated these suggestions into this GI Strategy to help protect South Dublin County’s biodiversity. Policy GI2: Biodiversity Strengthen the existing Green Infrastructure (GI) network and ensure all new developments contribute towards GI, in order to protect and enhance biodiversity across the County as part of South Dublin County Council’s commitment to the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2025 and the South Dublin County Council Biodiversity Action Plan, 2020-2026, the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Eastern and Midlands Region Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). GI2 Objective 1: To reduce fragmentation and enhance South Dublin County’s GI network by strengthening ecological links between urban areas, Natura 2000 sites, proposed Natural Heritage Areas, parks and open spaces and the wider regional network by connecting all new developments into the wider GI Network. GI2 Objective 2: To protect and enhance the biodiversity and ecological value of the existing GI network by protecting where feasible (and mitigating where removal is unavoidable) existing ecological features including tree stands, woodlands, hedgerows and watercourses in all new developments as an essential part of the design and construction process, such proactive approach to include provision to inspect development sites post construction to ensure hedgerow coverage has been protected as per the plan. GI2 Objective 3: To retrospectively repair habitat fragmentation and provide for regeneration of flora and fauna where weaknesses are identified in the network through the implementation of new GI interventions. GI2 Objective 4: To integrate GI, and include areas to be managed for biodiversity, as an essential component of all new developments in accordance with the requirements set out in Chapter 12: Implementation and Monitoring and the policies and objectives of this chapter.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028147Green Infrastructure (GI) GI2 Objective 5: To protect and enhance the County’s hedgerow network, in particular hedgerows that form townland, parish and barony boundaries recognising their historic and cultural importance in addition to their ecological importance and increase hedgerow coverage using locally native species including a commitment for no net loss of hedgerows on any development site and to take a proactive approach to protection and enforcement. GI2 Objective 6: To continue to support and expand the County Pollinator Plan through the management and monitoring of the County’s pollinator protection sites as part of the Council’s commitment to the provisions of the National Pollinator Plan 2021-2025. GI2 Objective 7: To enhance the biodiversity value of publicly owned hard infrastructure areas by incorporating the planting of new trees, grasses and other species, thereby integrating this infrastructure into the overall GI network. GI2 Objective 8: To take all possible steps to mitigate the impacts on biodiversity of increased recreation within the GI network, bearing in mind the effects of scramblers, dogs, drones, littering and illegal dumping. GI2 Objective 9: To examine where appropriate the full potential of landfill sites and quarries as well as existing underutilised perimeter and border park spaces through the augmentation of wild grasses and other naturally occurring vegetation that enhance local area biodiversity and habitats in support of the National Pollinator Plan and to consider wildflower meadows where beneficial to biodiversity. GI2 Objective 10: To enhance biodiversity and the health of pollinator species by banning the use of glyphosphate in or close to public parks, public playgrounds, community gardens / allotments and within residential estates, whether by directly employed Local Authority staff or private contractors. 4.2.2. Sustainable Water Management The County’s watercourses form a major and unique element of the GI network. They are vitally important biodiversity corridors for a range of protected species. The considered management and enhancement of watercourses and wetland areas can provide effective measures to help manage flooding and improve the quality of water. The EU Floods Directive and the recommendations of the 2004 National Flood Policy Review Report are driving forces behind flood management in Ireland. The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities, DECLG and OPW (2009) and DECLG Circular P12 / 2014 address the interface between flood risk management and the planning system. The guidelines state that the steps in the
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