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 2022-2028148Green Infrastructure (GI) Development Plan process and its Strategic Environmental Assessment need to be supported by an appropriate analysis of flood risk. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) of the County has been prepared to support the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the County Development Plan. The assessment was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Flood Risk Management Guidelines. The SFRA Report is a separate document to be read in parallel with this Plan and Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Policy IE 4 Flood Risk. Riparian Corridors Riparian Corridors are the focal point for much of the world’s freshwater. These areas are seen to be important in terms of biogeochemical processing and subsequent ecosystem service provision. They have a proven role in controlling the movement and processing of waterborne pollutants. The relationship between riparian areas and nutrient processing is widely known, by acting as buffers between upland areas and open water, they help treat pollutants. Riparian vegetation acts with flow, sediment and topography to influence channel form, instream habitat, nutrient dynamics, temperature and flow patterns. Therefore, removal of upland and riparian vegetation through agriculture and urbanisation disrupts land-water linkages leading to reductions in water quality, simplification of stream channels, less stable thermal and flow regimes, and ultimately, reduced ecosystem integrity. Riparian vegetation is a key source of beneficial in-stream nutrients and carbon, provides shade aiding thermally sensitive species, for example salmonids, and directly influences channel morphology (bank stabilisation, source of large woody debris). Designating and maintaining riparian corridors along the major watercourses and their tributaries is key to maximising ecosystem services provided by the watercourses. Vegetative riparian buffers provide for ecosystem services in the following ways: à Interception and reduction of potential pollutants from both agricultural and urban sources; à Attenuating flood waters; à Bank stabilisation; à Reducing runoff volumes; à Habitat provision and refuge; à Ecological corridors; à Vegetal debris that falls into the watercourse is an important source of nutrients for instream biota; à Thermal shading of watercourse; à Amenity value.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028149Green Infrastructure (GI) Policy GI3: Sustainable Water Management Protect and enhance the natural, historical, amenity and biodiversity value of the County’s watercourses. Require the long-term management and protection of these watercourses as significant elements of the County’s and Region’s Green Infrastructure Network and liaise with relevant Prescribed Bodies where appropriate. Accommodate flood waters as far as possible during extreme flooding events and enhance biodiversity and amenity through the designation of riparian corridors and the application of appropriate restrictions to development within these corridors. GI3 Objective 1: To ensure that hydromorphical assessments are undertaken where proposed development is within lands which are partially or wholly within the Riparian Corridors identified as part of this Development Plan. GI3 Objective 2: To require development proposals that are within riparian corridors to demonstrate how the integrity of the riparian corridor can be maintained and enhanced having regard to flood risk management, biodiversity, ecosystem service provision, water quality and hydromorphology. GI3 Objective 3: To promote and protect native riparian vegetation along all watercourses and ensure that a minimum 10m vegetated riparian buffer from the top of the riverbank is maintained / reinstated along all watercourses within any development site. GI3 Objective 4: To uncover existing culverts where appropriate and in accordance with relevant river catchment proposals to restore the watercourse to acceptable ecological standards for biodiversity wherever possible improving habitat connection and strengthening the County’s GI network. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Natural features and open spaces such as parks or forests help retain and store stormwater, slowing its infiltration into the water system and filtering pollutants. However, due to reduced open space provision and higher rates of impermeable paving, urban areas can often experience challenges around surface water management. Water is directed to grey infrastructure drainage systems that can become overwhelmed during periods of heavy rainfall, leading to flooding. Pollutants from the urban environment also flow into the water system unmitigated, potentially reducing overall water quality. The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is a nature-based solution to water management that aims to address these issues in a sustainable manner, by utilising and mimicking natural infiltration processes from the environment. The SuDS philosophy is to mimic the natural hydrological cycle by promoting;
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028150Green Infrastructure (GI) infiltration, evaporation, evapotranspiration, the harvesting of rainwater at source and the temporary storage of water (ponding), through the construction of a combination or series of components to form a ‘management train’. The three ‘pillars’ of sustainable stormwater management practice are generally accepted as: (i) Reducing the rate and quantity of stormwater discharge; (ii) Improve the quality of stormwater discharges and receiving water bodies; and (iii) Provide amenity and biodiversity value. Consideration of the sensitivity of the surrounding environment and downstream water quality is fundamental to the successful implementation of SuDS systems, particularly as we face into the uncertainties of a changing climate. Guidance on the design, criteria and implementation of SuDS was produced under the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS). South Dublin County Council’s SuDS Guidance document will further inform developers and stakeholders in the implementation of SuDS. SuDS measures suitable for the public realm and communal areas include ponds and wetlands, bioswales and urban trees. Through careful design such features can help enhance the streetscape. Localised site-specific measures include the provision of green roofs / walls, filter strips, rain gardens, water butts and the incorporation of permeable paving where appropriate (see Appendix 4 and Chapter 11: Infrastructure and Environmental Services and Chapter 12: Implementation and Monitoring). Policy GI4: Sustainable Drainage Systems Require the provision of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in the County and maximise the amenity and biodiversity value of these systems. GI4 Objective 1: To limit surface water run-off from new developments through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) using surface water and nature-based solutions and ensure that SuDS is integrated into all new development in the County and designed in accordance with South Dublin County Council’s Sustainable Drainage Explanatory Design and Evaluation Guide, 2022. GI4 Objective 2: To incorporate a SuDS management train during the design stage whereby surface water is managed locally in small sub-catchments rather than being conveyed to and managed in large systems further down the catchment. GI4 Objective 3: To require multifunctional open space provision within new developments to include provision for ecology and sustainable water management. GI4 Objective 4: To require that all SuDS measures are completed to a taking in charge standard. GI4 Objective 5: To promote SuDS features as part of the greening of urban and rural streets to restrict or delay runoff from streets entering the storm drainage network.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028151Green Infrastructure (GI) GI4 Objective 6: To maintain and enhance existing surface water drainage systems in the County and promote and facilitate the development of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), including integrated constructed wetlands, at a local, district and County level, to control surface water outfall and protect water quality. 4.2.3 Climate Resilience ‘Resilience’ is the ability to react and recover from external shocks and disruptions, as well as the foresight to anticipate and proactively prepare for future challenges. Climate change is recognised as a global source of disruption, one that will influence Ireland’s spatial and economic growth and development over the next several decades. The Plan rises to this challenge and promotes a GI approach which frontloads South Dublin County’s response to ensure a county which is resilient to current and future climate change impacts. The impacts of a changing climate include fluctuations in seasonal temperatures, greater rainfall intensity and more frequent storm events, leading to an increased likelihood of flooding. Urban areas are particularly susceptible to these impacts. Built-up, three dimensional landscapes absorb and retain larger amounts of sunlight, contributing to higher localised temperatures compared to rural areas. This is known as the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect, and can lead to higher cooling costs for buildings, as well as cause discomfort for residents and visitors. Urban areas are also more susceptible to intense rainfall and storm events which can overwhelm stormwater drainage systems. GI will play a key role in combating climate change and mitigating against its impacts. The County’s trees, forest and park areas provide valuable carbon sequestration services, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. In urban areas tree planting and other local GI interventions provide cooling and shade, ensuring a liveable and comfortable environment for residents and visitors. GI planting and SuDS can also play a significant role in stormwater runoff. Urban Greening Interventions which raise the quality of and modify the quantity and accessibility of urban green spaces are described as Urban Greening. Urban Greening can be achieved by establishing new urban spaces or by changing the characteristics of existing ones. The process can refer to a broad spectrum of measures which can be implemented at different scales in private or public spaces. These can include, pocket parks, urban gardens, green roofs / walls, recreational and urban / community gardening, natural (SuDS) and may include facilitated access to urban woodlands, forests and natural wildlife areas. Urban greening helps combat air and noise pollution, soaks up rainwater that may otherwise create flooding, creates a habitat for local wildlife, and has shown to lift morale in the people who see it, calming traffic and there is some evidence that it can lessen urban crime. This process is implemented through the application of a Green Space Factor.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028152Green Infrastructure (GI) Green Space Factor (GSF) The quantity and quality of green infrastructure provided by new development will be improved by the implementation of a Green Space Factor (GSF) for South Dublin. The GSF is a measurement that describes the quantity and quality of landscaping and GI across a defined spatial area. This measurement comprises a ratio that compares the amount of green space to the amount of impermeable ‘grey’ space in a subject site. As a planning tool, this ratio is used to assess both the existing green cover within a site and the impact of new development, based on the quantity and quality of new green space provided. Greening factors have been adopted and implemented across the UK, Europe and the United States to help ensure that new development makes a positive contribution to the local environment. By ensuring that new development meets minimum standards for the provision of GI the GSF aims to secure a positive contribution to biodiversity, amenity, air quality, stormwater management, temperature regulation and other ecosystem services. The GSF prioritises the retention of existing GI features within a subject site, in order to support the protection of the County’s existing GI network. At the same time, the GSF will ensure that new development incorporates new landscaping and GI features, contributing to the enhancement of the overall GI network. Chapter 12, section 12.4.2 provides further detail on the requirements for the GSF as part of planning applications. A Green roof is one which is planted with different types of vegetation, which can include grasses, flora, herbs and vegetables. Green roofs can be incorporated into new developments and retroactively installed on older buildings in order to secure a variety of benefits. They can contribute to climate change resilience, helping to improve air quality and temperature while also retaining and filtering stormwater to alleviate pressure on drainage infrastructure. Depending on the mix of plants used green roofs can also help contribute to local biodiversity, as well as provide new public and private amenity spaces and increase property values. Green walls can provide similar benefits and contribute to urban design and placemaking. Tree Planting The value of trees in delivering carbon sequestration is undisputed. Tree canopy cover in the County has been assessed based on data provided by UCD, see Figure 4.1. It is highly desirable that the extent of this canopy should be extended during the lifetime of the Development Plan. Where considered appropriate, objectives supporting additional planting are included in Appendix 12: Our Neighbourhoods.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028153Green Infrastructure (GI) Figure 4.1: Tree Canopy Cover South Dublin County Council (Source: Department of Geography, UCD 2017)
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028154Green Infrastructure (GI) Policy GI5: Climate Resilience Strengthen the County’s GI in both urban and rural areas to improve resilience against future shocks and disruptions arising from a changing climate. GI5 Objective 1: To protect and enhance the rich biodiversity and ecosystems in accordance with the ecosystem services approach to development enabling mitigation of climate change impacts, by absorbing excess flood water, providing a buffer against extreme weather events, absorbing carbon emissions and filtering pollution. GI5 Objective 2: To protect and enhance the natural regime of the watercourses of the County to more efficiently capture their flood resilience value. GI5 Objective 3: To ensure compliance with the South Dublin Climate Change Action Plan and the provisions of the Council’s Tree Management Strategy. à Increase the County’s tree canopy cover by promoting annual planting, maintenance preservation and enhancement of trees, woodlands and hedgerows within the County using locally native species and supporting their integration into new development. à Identify suitable sites for new urban trees including Miyawaki style mini woodlands, where feasible. à Support the implementation of a co-ordinated regional approach to the maintenance of trees and support the work of the Regional Steering Group on Tree Management to which South Dublin County Council is a participant. à Promote the establishment of tree trails in public parks across the County. à Promote the planting of new woodlands and forestry within appropriate open space and park locations within the County. à To plant “pocket forests” in tracts of open grassland to act as an oasis for biodiversity. à To recognise the value of mature trees in terms of carbon sequestration and amenity over saplings. GI5 Objective 4: To implement the Green Space Factor (GSF) for all qualifying development comprising 2 or more residential units and any development with a floor area in excess of 500 sq m. Developers will be required to demonstrate how they can achieve a minimum Green Space Factor (GSF) scoring requirement based on best international standards and the unique features of the County’s GI network. Compliance will be demonstrated through the submission of a Green Space Factor (GSF) Worksheet (see Chapter 12: Implementation and Monitoring, Section 12.4.2).
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028155Green Infrastructure (GI) GI5 Objective 5: To promote positive land and soil protection measures to avoid degradation or loss of natural soil resources, to minimise sealing of soils and to remediate contaminated land. GI5 Objective 6: To provide more tree cover across the county, in particular to areas that are lacking trees, with an emphasis on planting native Irish trees as appropriate. GI5 Objective 7: To require the provision of green roofs and green walls, providing benefits for biodiversity and as an integrated part of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Green Infrastructure, in apartment, commercial, leisure and educational buildings, wherever possible and develop an evidence base for specific green roof requirements as part of the Council’s ongoing SuDS strategy development. GI5 Objective 8: To complete a flood risk assessment for Saggart with a view to restoring and protecting existing biodiversity, ecosystems and drain systems. 4.2.4 Recreation and Amenity (Human Health and Wellbeing) There is a clear understanding that access to nature and the outdoors has a positive impact on human health and wellbeing. This comes at the same time as an increased awareness of the impact of air pollution on human health, which can lead to a myriad of negative outcomes. A GI approach to planning maximises the benefits to humans from healthy functioning ecosystems. To remain healthy and to continue to offer benefit to humans, the integrity and biodiversity value of ecosystems must be protected. South Dublin’s GI network makes a vital contribution to the mental and physical health of our communities. The County’s hierarchy of publicly owned and managed parks and open spaces are important recreational destinations for residents and visitors at the local, neighbourhood and regional level. The Dublin Mountains, within the Wicklow Mountains National Park, are a significant recreational attraction and are popular destinations for hiking, climbing and bike riding. Many of these open spaces serve as important hotspots for biodiversity, and the trees, forestry and woodlands they contain filter carbon and other pollutants, contributing to air quality. Over the period of this plan the Council will preserve these existing recreational opportunities and support new projects and innovations, such as the Dodder Greenway, that will further enhance and diversify the ways in which residents and visitors can access and enjoy nature in the County. A collaborative project with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority, the Dodder Greenway will be over 17km long, providing an integrated pedestrian and cycle route from the quays in Dublin City Centre to Glenasmole in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. This significant infrastructure will be integrated within the existing park system in order to provide safe and attractive access throughout to open space throughout the County. A
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028156Green Infrastructure (GI) similarly forward-looking approach will be used to identify and promote new opportunities to improve the amenity and function of the County’s GI network. The Council will support Coillte’s Dublin Mountains Conversion Plan that seeks to convert commercial forests in the Dublin Mountains to native and mixed woodlands to improve their biodiversity value and recreational amenity. There is also an opportunity to examine the various sports and leisure facilities that are located throughout the County, including playing pitches, skateparks and water sports, to review and assess how appropriate GI interventions can further improve their function and accessibility. Innovative design solutions can help integrate traditionally hard-landscaped recreational facilities, such as playgrounds and skateparks, into the local GI network. Doing so can diversify the uses of these spaces, while also contributing to stormwater management. Weaver Park in Dublin City’s Liberties area combines the provision of a skatepark with lawns and tree planting to create a multifunctional outdoor space that can host active and passive recreational uses, as well as markets or outdoor exhibitions. As a European example, the Lemvig Skatepark in Denmark transforms the idea of a mono-functional skate park into a multifunctional recreational space. The paved skate area is interspersed with grassy planted areas, as well as a small basketball court and sandpit, providing discrete yet interconnected spaces where families and visitors of all ages can play and relax. The Council manages allotments at Tymon Park in Tallaght, Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, Friarstown in Bohernabreena and Mill Lane in Palmerstown. Residents can pay to rent these allotments to grow their own fruits and vegetables, providing access to healthy affordable food. Allotment growing also provides an opportunity for healthy physical recreation and social engagement, and also can play an important role in improving local biodiversity. The Council will continue to protect and promote existing allotments and provide for new allotments in accordance with a review of the provision and management of allotments across the County.
- SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028157Green Infrastructure (GI) Policy GI6: Human Health and Wellbeing Improve the accessibility and recreational amenity of the County’s GI in order to enhance human health and wellbeing while protecting the natural environment within which the recreation occurs. GI6 Objective 1: To support a hierarchy of accessible open spaces and recreational facilities, appropriate for neighbourhood size and catchment area, which are adaptable and capable of accommodating multiple uses (See Chapter 8: Community and Open Space). GI6 Objective 2: To maximise the leisure and amenity resource offered by the County’s parks through the promotion of Management Plans that provide for the continued improvement of the park setting, biodiversity and recreational facilities. GI6 Objective 3: To provide accessible, attractive and safe routes linking settlements to the GI network of the County. GI6 Objective 4: To ensure that all new residential development provides access to multifunctional green open space, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8: Community and Open Space of this Development Plan and South Dublin County’s Parks and Open Space Strategy. GI6 Objective 5: To support the provision of new walkways and cycleways in suitable locations to improve the recreational amenity of GI corridors in a manner that does not compromise the ecological functions of the corridors. GI6 Objective 6: To minimise the environmental impact of external lighting within the GI network to achieve a sustainable balance between the recreational needs of an area, the safety of walking and cycling routes and the protection of light sensitive species such as bats (See Chapter 3: Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage and Chapter 12: Implementation and Monitoring). GI6 Objective 7: To enhance publicly owned open spaces with further appropriate GI including nature-based interventions to improve and diversify the services they provide. GI6 Objective 8: To support, in agreement with the delivery authority, the provision of outdoor public water drinking fountains along all new and future dedicated cycleways, promoting reusables and actively incentivising transition from single use plastic. GI6 Objective 9: To investigate the potential to plant hedgerows along roads to help mitigate noise and air pollution, and to increase visual amenity and enhance biodiversity.
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.