COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, December 16, 2019
MOTION NO. 5
MOTION: Councillor Liam Sinclair
That this Area Committee ask the Chief Executive to make a statement regarding the Tallaght Wetlands, following the withdrawal of application seeking funding for the Sean Walsh Memorial Park Wetland Enhancement Project quoted in the Irish Times on 11/11/2019.
The article states “The ecologist has proposed a course of action to be followed which includes the preparation and implementation of a habitat rehabilitation plan, as well as the preparation and implementation of a habitat management plan for the area”
The statement should include a summary of the report and a date that the full report will be available.
REPORT:
The Council engaged a consultant ecologist to assist in carrying out a detailed examination of the site in question at Sean Walsh Memorial Park. This work includes carrying out ecological advice for the surrounding areas of ponds and grasslands as well as the site in question, ecological surveys and providing advice and assessment in relation to the rehabilitation of a habitat and potential to encourage re-colonisation of the area.
This report has been completed and forwarded to the National Parks and Wildlife Services for review. Please see below for a indicative draft plan of works:
- Site investigations to establish depth of water table/nature of water-holding capacity on site and adjacent to site
- Drawing up of Alien Invasive Plan Species Management and Control Plan for the area
- Management and conservation plan for Mentha pulegium
- Habitat rehabilitation plan drawing up and implementation
- Comprehensive ecological baseline survey of area and environs of the site
- Drawing up and implementation of Biodiversity and Habitat Management plan for the survey area and environs
- Ecological Monitoring
SDCC are currently awaiting response from NPWS in order to incorporate any changes / amendments if required. Once report is finalised it will be available. In the interim an Internal Working Group has been set up to review current procedures in relation to in-river, stream and pond maintenance works and draft up guidelines and procedures in relation to same. In addition; while awaiting a response from National Parks and Wildlife Services; a tender for the above services is being prepared and the topographical survey will be carried out.