COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 16, 2012

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

Given the emphasis given to Tourism in the National Recovery Plan and following on the very positive recent presentation by South Dublin Tourism, that this Council now proceed to formulate an Asset Management Plan to sustain, promote and actively manage sensitive landscapes and habitats, walking routes and linkages between the urban, rural and mountain areas as proposed in the 2010 – 2016 County Development Plan at 1.3.36.xiii

REPORT:

Plans such as the County Green Routes Network and the County Heritage Plan supplemented by the proposed County Biodiversity Plan are necessary to fulfil this objective.  The objective that supports Policy LHA15 of the County Development Plan in relation to the requirement for a County Biodiversity Plan states that "the Council shall formulate a green network plan, or as part of the Biodiversity Plan indicating linkages between open space, sensitive habitats, river systems which shall incorporate walking routes and greenways". 

It is part of the Planning Department and County Heritage Officer's work programme for 2012 to initiate the County Biodiversity Plan process by presenting the project to the relevant SPCs and Council prior to commencing Public Consultation.  A Biodiversity Forum, similar to the Heritage Forum, will be drawn together to assist in collating public submissions and prioritise biodiversity actions.  Green network infrastructure has already been incorporated into more recent Local Area Plans, such as the Fortunestown Local Area Plan.