COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

MOTION NO. 240

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole

That the Chief Executive makes it a strategic objective to protect and enhance native woodlands, including identified developing woodlands of 10,000 trees or more and that any development on such lands be prohibited.

REPORT:

A Green Infrastructure Strategy is being prepared for the Draft Plan which will inform the delivery of an integrated green network which will include woodland areas. This strategy will identify areas which are critical as green corridors and which have biodiversity, social, environmental and economic value.

This type of objective is overly detailed for this strategic stage but could be considered as part of the draft plan preparation on foot of the strategic direction provided under the CE Recommendations: ‘Ensure that the Development Plan provides for appropriate protection of trees and hedgerows, where possible, recognising their value to our natural heritage, biodiversity and climate action and encourage tree planting in appropriate locations’.

Recommendation:   It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to recognise that this type of objective is overly detailed for this strategic stage but could be considered as part of the draft plan preparation on foot of the strategic direction provided under an amended CE Recommendation:

'Ensure that the Development Plan provides for appropriate protection of flora and fauna, where possible, including trees and hedgerows, recognising their value to our natural heritage, biodiversity and climate action and encourage tree planting, preferably native species, in appropriate locations’