Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 16 I Energy Infrastructure & Communications CPO 16.07 To support community-based wind energy projects. Solar Energy Objectives CPO 16.08 To facilitate and support the development of solar generated electricity. CPO 16.09 To positively consider all applications for the installation of building mounted PV cells at all locations, having due regard to architectural amenity and heritage. CPO 16.10 To support the development of commercial scale ground mounted solar PV ‘Solar Farms’ subject to compliance with emerging best practice and available national and international guidance4. Hydro Energy Objectives CPO 16.11 To facilitate the development of expanded or new river / lake based hydroelectricity plants, subject to due consideration of ecological impacts, in particular, the free flow of fish and maintenance of biodiversity corridors. CPO 16.12 To facilitate the development of off shore hydroelectricity projects insofar as onshore facilities such as substations/connections to the grid and the development of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) bases as may be required. Bio-Energy Objectives CPO 16.13 To facilitate the development of projects that convert biomass to gas or electricity, subject to demonstration that such projects are resource efficient having regard to carbon emissions resulting from the growth, harvesting and transport of inputs, and do not result in unsustainable climate damaging agricultural intensification. CPO 16.14 Other than biomass installations that are location specific to the rural area, biomass conversion installations / facilities shall be located on suitable zoned industrial land in settlements. Small-Scale Renewable Objectives CPO 16.15 To facilitate and support the development of small-scale electricity generation installations. Geothermal Objectives CPO 16.16 To facilitate the exploration of geothermal energy where such development does not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment, landscape, biodiversity or local amenities. CPO 16.17 To ensure that any proposal for geothermal technologies or any other subsurface exploration does not impact on groundwater quality. 4 It should be noted that there is currently no national guidance available on the appropriate location and design of solar farms. However there are a number of excellent examples of such guidance provided in other jurisdictions and these will be utilised in the assessment of any applications; for example ‘Planning guidance for the development of large scale ground mounted solar PV systems’ produced by BRE National Solar Centre and Cornwall Council in the UK.333

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 16 I Energy Infrastructure & Communications Transmission & Distribution Objectives CPO 16.18 To support the development and expansion of the electricity transmission and distribution grid, including the development of new lines, pylons and substations as required. CPO 16.19 To facilitate planned growth and transmission / distribution of a renewable energy focused electricity generation across the main demand centres. CPO 16.20 To support roll-out of the Smart Grids and Smart Cities Actions enabling new connections, grid balancing, energy management and micro grid development. CPO 16.21 To facilitate high energy demand development only at appropriate locations, most accessible to the National Grid. CPO 16.22 To suitably manage development within 35m of existing 110KV/220kV transmission lines. CPO 16.23 To support and facilitate the development of landing locations for off shore generated wind energy and for any cross channel power interconnectors. CPO 16.24 Proposals for the undergrounding of cables should demonstrate that environmental impacts including the following are minimised:  Habitat loss as a result of removal of field boundaries and hedgerows by topsoil stripping;  Short to medium term impacts on the landscape where, for example, hedgerows are encountered;  Impacts on underground archaeology;  Impacts on soil structure and drainage; and  Impacts on surface waters as a result of sedimentation. Electricity Demand Objectives CPO 16.25 To require all new developments during the design process to incorporate sustainable electricity technologies in accordance with Part L of the Buildings Regulations and as part of any application for permission, to demonstrate how these requirements will be met. CPO 16.26 To facilitate retrofitting of existing buildings with electricity saving devices and installations, where permission is required for such works. Transport Energy Objectives CPO 16.27 Through coordinated land-use and transport planning, to reduce the demand for vehicular travel and journey lengths. CPO 16.28 To encourage car pooling and facilitate park and ride facilities for public transport. CPO 16.29 Through sustainable planning and investment in transport infrastructure, including roads and public transport systems, to reduce journey; times, length, congestion and to increase the attractiveness of public transport. CPO 16.30 To facilitate the development of services and utilities for electric vehicles and other low emission alternative vehicles / fuel types, including the roll-out of additional electric charging points and alternative fuel distribution infrastructure in collaboration with relevant agencies at appropriate locations.334

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 16 I Energy Infrastructure & Communications CPO 16.31 To require the provision of EV charging points in new developments as follows: Heating Objectives CPO 16.32 To require all new developments during the design process to incorporate sustainable heating technologies in accordance with Part L of the Buildings Regulations and as part of any application for permission, to demonstrate how these requirements will be met. CPO 16.33 To facilitate retrofitting of existing building with heat saving devices and installations, where permission is required for such works. CPO 16.34 To support the development of district heating systems, particularly those generating heat from renewable sources. Communication Objectives CPO 16.35 To facilitate and support the roll out of the National Broadband Plan and the development/expansion of communication, information and broadcasting networks, including mobile phone networks, broadband and other digital services, subject to environmental and visual amenity constraints. CPO 16.36 To support the national objective to promote Ireland as a sustainable international destination for Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure such as data centres and associated economic activities at appropriate locations5. CPO 16.37 The development of new masts and antennae shall be in accordance with the development standards set out in Appendix 1 of this plan. CPO 16.38 Facilitate and support the development of public Wi-Fi zones at appropriate public spaces where possible. CPO 16.39 To support and facilitate to the greatest extent possible the development of new structures and the conversion of existing structures for the development of co-working spaces / hubs providing access to reliable high quality ICT infrastructure within towns and villages, including smaller rural settlements, subject to normal planning criteria. 5 RPO 8.25 of the RSES MERA Building type Requirement New buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation Non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces within property boundary. Installation of at least 1 recharging point. Installation of ducting infrastructure for at least 1 in 5 parking spaces. Residential multi-unit buildings. Installation of 1 recharging point for every 10 car parking spaces (with a minimum 1 for developments under 10 spaces) Installation of ducting infrastructure for every parking space within property boundary. New (single-unit residential) buildings New ‘own door’ dwelling with car parking space located within the property boundary. Installation of recharging points for electric vehicles on site. New (single-unit residential) buildings New ‘own door’ dwelling served by shared car parking areas or car parking spaces not within the dwelling site boundaries. Installation of 1 recharging point for every 10 dwellings (with a minimum 1 for development under 10 dwellings) which is available to all residents. Installation of ducting infrastructure for every parking space within development.335

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity CHAPTER 17 NATURAL HERITAGE & BIODIVERSITY 17.0 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to set out strategies and objectives with regard to the natural heritage and biodiversity in the County. The chapter also encompasses landscape conservation. The maps and schedules associated with this chapter are presented at the end of the chapter. Natural heritage includes the variety of life, often referred to as biodiversity, its physical or geological foundation, and the landscapes which form the surrounding environment. Wicklow supports a good diversity of natural and semi natural habitats such as marine, coastal, wetland, woodland, lake, river and uplands that in turn support a wide range of associated wild plant and animal species. There are also many geological heritage sites of interest in the County which are an important element of the natural heritage. The conservation and management of the natural environment must be viewed as a central element in the long-term economic and social development of the County. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and landscapes is vital for the health, well-being and quality of life of communities today and it has a vital role to play in our response to the climate emergency. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth. It includes the habitats and ecosystems, which support this life and how life-forms interact with each other and the rest of the environment. Biodiversity covers plants, animals and micro-organisms both on land and in water. It relates to both wildlife and domesticated crops and animals. The biological diversity we see today is the result of millions of years of evolution. The conservation and enhancement of biodiversity will require the suitable and sustainable protection of designated habitats, the linkages between natural sites (whether they are natural or man-made) and the range of species in the ecosystem. The Council has an important role to play when it comes to promoting a reasonable balance between conservation measures and development needs, in order to avoid negative impacts upon the natural environment, mitigate the effects of harm where it cannot be avoided, and to promote the appropriate enhancement of the natural environment as an integral part of any development. The County Wicklow Heritage Plan provides one framework through which the Council works actively with other partner organisations on initiatives to further our understanding, protection and appreciation of Wicklow’s natural heritage resource. This chapter of the plan will also address landscape issues not solely related to nature conservation, such as landscape characterisation and identification of views and prospects worthy of protection. It is the overall strategy of this plan to:  To conserve and enhance biodiversity in recognition of the many ecosystem services provided to society;  To avoid negative impacts upon the natural environment and promote appropriate enhancement of the natural environment as an integral part of any development;  To promote an integrated approach to landscape planning and management in order to protect the County’s unique landscape character;  To conserve and enhance the County’s geological heritage; and  To support the actions in the County Wicklow Heritage Plan which seek to enhance the understanding, appreciation and protection of Wicklow’s biodiversity including the County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan.336

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity With reference to the National, Regional and County Objectives set out in Chapter 2 of this plan, the protection and enhancement of natural heritage and biodiversity will contribute to numerous goals across the three pillars of ‘sustainable healthy communities’, ‘climate action’ and ‘economic opportunity’ by: - protecting our natural capital, which underpins our economy and society, which provides us with the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we depend on for life and numerous other goods and services we depend on for health, happiness and prosperity; - protecting and enhancing Green Infrastructure and ecosystem services and promote the sustainable management of strategic natural assets such as coastlines, farmlands, peatlands, uplands, woodlands and wetlands; - conserving and enhancing biodiversity, protected habitats and species; - conserving and enhancement of water resources including sea, rivers, lakes and groundwater; - contributing to reduction and management of flood risk; - promoting and facilitating an environmentally sustainable approach to practicing agriculture and forestry; - supporting appropriate human access to natural assets and areas as a recreational resource, supporting physical and mental wellbeing. 17.1 Legislative & Policy Context EU Directives The Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive are the principal sources of legislation for nature conservation policy. It is built around two pillars: the European network of protected sites and the strict system of species protection. The Directives protects over 1,000 animals and plant species and over 200 "habitat types" (e.g. special types of forests, meadows, wetlands, etc) which are of European importance. The protection of Designated European Sites i.e. Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, finds its origins in the EU Directive on the Conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna (92/43/EEC), more commonly known as the “Habitats Directive” which came into force in 1994 and was transposed into Irish law in 1997. “The Habitats Directive” provides legal protection for habitats and species of European importance. The Habitats Directive was formulated as a direct result of the continuous deterioration of natural habitats and the increasing impacts on wild species arising in the most part as a result of development and agricultural activity. The main aim of the EC Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European importance. The conservation status of a habitat is defined in Article 1 of the Directive as the sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its typical species that may affect its long-term natural distribution, structure and functions, as well as the long-term survival of its typical species. The conservation status of a natural habitat will be taken as favourable when:  Its natural range and the areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing,  The specific structure and functions which are necessary for its long-term maintenance exist and are likely to continue to exist for the foreseeable future,  The conservation status of its typical species is favourable1. Articles 3 to 9 provide the legislative means to protect habitats and species of European Community interest through the establishment and conservation of an EU-wide network of sites. These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/ECC). 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC337

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity In its implementation the Habitats Directive introduces the ‘Precautionary Principle” approach towards proposals whereby projects can only be permitted having ascertained that there is not likely to be any significant impact on the conservation status of the designated site. As set out in MN20002, the conservation of natural habitats and habitats of species forms the most ambitious and far-reaching challenge of the Habitats Directive. This is set out in Article 6 of the Directive, which governs the conservation, and management of European sites. In this context Article 6 is viewed as one of the most important of the 24 articles of the directive being the one which determines the relationship between conservation and land use. The Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) sets out the role of Appropriate Assessment (AA) in planning and development. It requires that an Appropriate Assessment screening is carried out as part of the process of drafting the development plan, on the impacts of the policies and objectives of the plan on European Sites. The screening assesses if the plan, individually or in combination with another plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of any European site/s and that the requirements of the directives have been satisfied. If the plan is likely to have a significant effect on a European site, or there is uncertainty of the effects, it shall be subject to AA. The AA of this plan is a separate document contained in Appendix 7. EU Guidance A range of guidance regarding natural heritage, biodiversity and ecosystems is provided by the EU. Most recently, the EU has developed guidance on integrating ecosystems and their services into decisions making (2019). This guidance document aims to help decision-makers who are seeking to improve the impact, cost effectiveness and sustainability of their policies, plans and investments. It does this by (i) highlighting the benefits that flow from nature to people and the need to protect and enhance the ecosystems that deliver these benefits, and (ii) providing an overview of the steps and available tools to assess and integrate these benefits into policy and planning decisions. The guidance is applicable to all ecosystems across EU landscapes and the marine environment (including artificial and semi-natural habitats that result from interactions with human activities, such as urban or agricultural ecosystems). This guidance draws on key EU policy frameworks, and promotes the integration of ecosystems and their services into decision-making in sector policies and instruments having a connection or dependence with the environment. It is based on the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020, and also implements action 1b of the EU action plan for nature, people and the economy. The guidance is addressed to a range of EU, national and local decision-makers in different sectors. It is also addressed to planners and businesses who may have varying levels of experience in assessing and integrating ecosystem services in policy and planning. It therefore outlines basic concepts, principles and a generic, crosscutting framework for approaching ecosystem services in the common stages of a decision-making process. Within each decision-making stage, readers can find an overview of (i) entry points and steps for integrating ecosystems and their services, (ii) reflections on aspects that need special attention, and (iii) references to tools and resources and to case studies that illustrate the use of these tools and resources. Due to its broad scope across a wide range of decision-making processes and target groups, the guidance provided in this document remains at a relatively general level. This is also a static document in a field of constantly developing research and practice. 2 MANAGING EUROPEAN SITES, The provisions of Article 6 of the ‘Habitats’ Directive 92/43/EEC (2000)338

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) & EU Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is an important and innovative piece of EU legislation which was transposed into Irish law in 2003. It aims to protect, improve and use sustainably our rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater through an integrated approach. It mandates public participation in the development and implementation of River Basin Management Plans. The WFD aims for better management of our water resources and affects conservation, fisheries, flood defence, planning and development. It requires us to control all impacts – physical modification, diffuse and point source pollution, abstraction or otherwise – on our water resource. The Groundwater Directive complements the WFD by establishing environmental objectives for groundwater chemical status and ensuring continuity with previous Groundwater Directives. Alongside surface waters, groundwater is an important natural resource, which supplies some 20-25% of drinking water in Ireland and is important in maintaining wetlands and river flows through dry periods. Groundwater and aquifers in Ireland are protected under EU and national legislation, and local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responsible for enforcing this legislation. These directives aim to achieve ‘good’ ecological status in all waters, protect high ecological status in our pristine waters and must ensure that status does not deteriorate in any waters. Local Authorities are charged with implementing the Water Framework and Groundwater Directive objectives. A practical and effective means of protecting groundwater and preventing pollution is through the use of a Groundwater Protection Scheme. A Groundwater Protection Scheme provides guidelines for the planning and licensing authorities in carrying out their functions, and a framework to assist in decision-making on the location, nature and control of developments and activities in order to protect groundwater. A Groundwater Protection Scheme aims to maintain the quantity and quality of groundwater and aquifers, and in some cases improve it, by applying a risk assessment-based approach to groundwater protection and sustainable development. In this way it helps public authorities to meet their responsibility to protect groundwater. Groundwater protection within the County is carried out through the Wicklow Groundwater Protection Scheme which has been undertaken jointly between the GSI and Wicklow County Council. The purpose of the scheme is to preserve the quality of groundwater, particularly for drinking water purposes, for the benefit of present and future generations. The scheme identifies the vulnerability of areas within the County and Groundwater protection responses for existing and new potentially polluting activities. River Basin Management Plan (RBMPs) 2018 – 2021 The WFD requires that water quality management be centred on river basins, which are natural geographical areas that occur in the landscape. This is in contrast to other water management systems which use administrative management units which have arbitrary boundaries. The Government has produced a roadmap to better water quality, known as the River Basin Management Plans (RBMP). For the purpose of assessment, reporting and management, water has been divided into groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuarine waters and coastal waters which are in turn divided into specific, clearly defined waterbodies. The River Basin Management Plan lists the current status of our waters and detail the measures required to bring those failing back to ‘good’ status and maintain the high status of our pristine sites. The plan aims to achieve ‘good’ ecological status and prevent deterioration in water quality in all waters3. 3 The Government is in the process of preparing the RBMP for Ireland 2022 – 2027.339

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity Waterbodies not meeting the required standards are prioritised for assessment of pressures and the assigning of measures to help improve quality. The most recent updates on the status of water bodies within County Wicklow show a 9% increase in waterbodies at ‘Good’ or ‘High’ status, while on average nationally there has been a 5% decline in status. In addition to Priority Areas for Action, ‘Blue-Dot’ catchments have been designated in the RBMP for the protection and improvement of pristine water quality. Wicklow has number of blue-dot catchments, but nationally there is a steady decline in the number each year. These pristine waterbodies are very sensitive to pollution or any changes in the catchment. Continuous efforts to maintain and restore all water bodies within the County to at least ‘good’ ecological status will be required throughout the lifetime of this Development Plan. Local Authority Waters Programme The Local Authority Waters Programme Office (LAWPRO) was previously called the Local Authority Waters and Communities Office. LAWPRO has three core aims:  To coordinate efforts by Local Authorities, public bodies and other stakeholders to achieve the environmental objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive;  To support local communities who wish to get involved in the care of their local waters and engage with river basin planning;  To build a better understanding of the issues impacting on water quality at a local level and recommend improvement measures. LAWPRO programmes are delivered by a network of 13 Community Water Officers located in centres throughout the country. These officers engage with Local Authority and Regional Authority Teams, as well as the public through Public Participation Networks, Local Community Development Committees, LEADER Groups, Partnerships, sectoral interest groups, Rural Development companies and the Irish Local Development Network. Community engagement will include education and awareness campaigns to deliver the right message to the right groups in the right way. It is intended that results and lessons learnt from projects and initiatives with a connection to water will be shared widely on social media platforms, thereby facilitating knowledge and information transfer between communities. Landscape Ireland signed and ratified the Council of Europe’s European Landscape Convention (ELC) which came into effect on 1 March 2004. The European Landscape Convention defines landscape as ‘…an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’. The Convention, under Article 5(d), requires landscape to be integrated into regional and town planning policies and in cultural, environmental, agricultural, social and economic policies, as well as any other policies with possible direct and indirect impacts on landscape. The Convention, in addition to the obvious environmental benefits from properly protecting, managing and planning landscape, highlights the economic and social benefits that accrue such as tourism potential, economic growth, employment and quality of life enhancement. The National Landscape Strategy for Ireland (2015-2025) is the national mechanism to ensure compliance with the ELC and to establish principles for protecting and enhancing it while positively managing its change. It is 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 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region sets out that the conservation and enhancement landscapes is a desired ‘Regional Strategic Outcome’ (RSO 11). The strategy recognises 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. It is noted that although a number of local authorities340

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   Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity in the Region have undertaken landscape character assessments, there remain gaps in coverage and inconsistencies in approach and that 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. Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) The Planning & Development Act requires that a development plan includes objectives for: “The preservation of the character of the landscape where, and to the extent that, in the opinion of the Planning Authority, the proper planning and sustainable development of the area requires it, including the preservation of views and prospects and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest”, and “The conservation and protection of the environment including, in particular the archaeological and natural heritage and the conservation of European sites and any other sites which may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph; (a) the encouragement, pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, of the management of features of the landscape, such as traditional field boundaries, important for the ecological coherence of the European network and essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species; (b) the promotion of compliance with environmental standards and objectives established- (i) for bodies of surface water, by the European Communities (Surface Waters) Regulations 2009; (ii) for groundwater, by the European Communities (Groundwater) Regulations 2010; which standards and objectives are included in river basin management plans (within the meaning of Regulation 13 of the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003).” “The preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, which public rights of way shall be identified both by marking them on at least one of the maps forming part of the development plan and by indicating their location on a list appended to the development plan.” “Landscape, in accordance with relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or any Minister of the Government relating to providing a framework for identification, assessment, protection, management and planning of landscapes and developed having regard to the European Landscape Convention done at Florence on 20 October 2000.” National & County Heritage Plans The preparation of a local heritage plan and establishment of a local heritage forum became part of Government policy in the National Heritage Plan (NHP) of 2002. The Heritage Council subsequently published guidelines on the preparation of Local Heritage Plans in 2003. The Wicklow Heritage Plan has been produced in accordance with those guidelines. The third Heritage Plan for County Wicklow covers the period 2017-2022. The overall aim of the plan is to conserve the natural, built and cultural heritage of Wicklow and to foster a greater awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of this by all. The Heritage Plan represents a strategic approach to the management of heritage in County Wicklow that is underpinned by both national and local heritage policy. The Heritage Plan will be implemented through the annual work programme, overseen by the Wicklow Heritage Forum and co-ordinated on a day to day basis by the Wicklow County Council Heritage Officer. While the Wicklow Heritage Forum, Wicklow County Council and the Heritage Council are key partners in the delivery of the plan, there is a significant role for the wider heritage ‘community’ in Wicklow, which includes additional community groups, agencies, third level institutions and individuals. Successful implementation of the Plan is dependent on the continued active engagement, support and participation of this wider community in Wicklow.341

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    Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 Chapter 17 | Natural Heritage & Biodiversity The key objectives of the Heritage Plan are: - To raise awareness of and enthusiasm for Wicklow’s heritage; - Increase understanding of the value of Wicklow’s heritage; - Promote the conservation and management of Wicklow’s heritage; - Facilitate partnership and active community participation in heritage plan actions; - Record the heritage of Wicklow and disseminate existing information. Biodiversity Plans & Actions Ireland's national policy is set out in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021. The plan sets out actions aimed towards understanding and protecting biodiversity in Ireland and overseas. The current County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2010 – 2015 sets out a strategy for increasing our understanding and appreciation of biodiversity in the County along with measures for enhancing the protection of this valuable resource. The County Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan, an action of the County Wicklow Heritage Plan, contains 30 actions that ensure the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. One third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. This is because we have drastically reduced the amount of food (flowers) and safe nesting sites in our landscapes. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is about all in society from farmers to local authorities, to schools, gardeners and businesses, coming together to try to create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive. The first Plan covers the period 2015-2020 and a new version has been developed to cover 2021-2025. In February 2019, a new Council Partnership Framework was launched, which Wicklow County Council has joined, to take the lead in taking actions to support pollinators on public land and to work with local community groups, residents’ associations and schools to help raise awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. 17.2 Key Components of the Natural Environment 17.2.1 Protected Habitats Wicklow hosts a wealth of wildlife including a range of threatened habitats and species which are protected by law and are recognised as being of local, national and EU importance. Many habitats and species are designated for protection / preservation under national and/or EU legislation4. County Wicklow has one National Park, 17 Special Areas of Conservation5 (SAC), 35 (proposed) Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), 4 Special Protection Areas (SPA), and 6 Nature Reserves (as set out in Schedules 17.01, 17.02, 17.03 & 17.04 and Maps 17.01, 17.02, 17.03 & 17.04 of this plan). The occurrence of protected flora and fauna species is not confined to protected sites. Protected birds, bats, otters and badgers for example are frequently found in the wider countryside, together with a wide range of common plants and animals which are all part of the interrelated natural fabric of the landscape. Rivers and streams and their associated riparian wetlands and habitats are home to a variety of habitats and species. Collectively, these various natural landscape features function as ecological “corridors” and “stepping stones” which enable wildlife to exist, move and flourish. 4 SPAs are designated under EU birds Directive (79/409/EEC), SACs are designated under EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), transposed into Irish Law by the EU (Natural Habitats) regulations, 1997. SACs and SPAs are collectively now known as ‘European’ sites. NHAs are legally protected under The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. 5 Within or in proximity to County Wicklow.342

Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 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.