COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 258

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

This council agrees that the important hedgerow along the Neilstown / Cappagh boundary would be enhanced and protected  and retained in its entirety, and not just in small sections and that as much as possible of the over thirty kilometers of hedgerow on the SDZ lands would be retained and protected. 

REPORT:

The Draft Planning Scheme supports the preservation of existing hedgerows where possible. Section 2.11 of the Draft Planning Scheme requires all development proposals to seek to enhance biodiversity and avoid or minimise loss of existing habitats and wildlife corridors.

An Ecological Survey was carried out in 2015 and was attached as an appendix to the Chief Executives Report on the submissions received. The survey highlighted the major ecological corridors along the railway line, the Griffeen River and the Grand Canal. These corridors are the most important ecological features in terms of their associated habitats and species on the lands.

There is in excess of 30 km of hedgerow/treeline habitat within the SDZ lands some of which form townland and more historic barony boundaries. The Draft Planning Scheme has been designed to retain and incorporate the historic Barony boundaries and requires these to be retained where possible, the same species shall be planted along streets within the development.

In addition, given the biodiversity value of the SDZ lands, a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) is required to be prepared by a qualified Ecologist and be guided by relevant best practice guidelines and established techniques for habitats present on the SDZ lands. The BMP shall form part of the Parks and Landscape Strategy. (See Section 2.10 Parks and Landscape Strategy).

It is considered that the issues in the motion are already covered in the Draft Planning Scheme.

Recommendation

 

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.

 

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.