COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS
Friday, January 26, 2018
MOTION NO. 261
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
That habitats for the otters and bats be improved and increased and a stronger commitment is given to all wildlife protection
Cllrs G. O Connell, P. Gogarty and L. O'Toole
REPORT:
The Draft Planning Scheme supports the protection of Protected Species and their habitats including the provision of a 50m set back from the Grand Canal and a 30m setback from all other watercourses.
Section 2.11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage details Protected Species that have been found to be using the site. The Draft Planning Scheme states that ‘To ensure that areas of biodiversity value are adequately protected, an EIA, prepared by a qualified Ecologist and in line with Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland, Terrestrial, Freshwater and Coastal (CIEEM 2nd ed 2016) shall be required for development proposals that have the potential to impact on environmentally sensitive sites in particular within 50m of the Grand Canal, and 30m of the Griffeen River and the Kilmahuddrick stream.‘
In addition, it is stated that ‘All development proposals should seek to enhance biodiversity and avoid or minimise loss of existing local habitats and wildlife corridors.’
There is a robust policy position in the Planning Scheme to ensure that the impacty of any planning applications can be sucessfully mitigated.
It is considered that the intent of the proposed motion is provided for under Section 2.11 Biodiversity and Natural Heritage and therefore no amendment to the Draft Plan is required.
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.