COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

MOTION NO. 242

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

MOTION:  NATURAL HERITAGE AND BIODIVERSITY p 32,Add the word in red and underscored to the second last Bullet point, 'Ensure that the Development Plan provides for appropriate protection of trees and hedgerows, flora and fauna, where possible, recognising their value to our natural heritage, biodiversity and climate action and encourage tree planting, where possible native species, in appropriate places and identify and include an active role for the ongoing involvement of local residents who express an interest in furthering these objectives.

REPORT:

It is proposed to amend the CE Strategic Recommendations under Natural Heritage & Biodiversity bullet no. 7 so that it reads as follows: 'Ensure that the Development Plan provides for appropriate protection of trees and hedgerows, flora and fauna, where possible, recognising their value to our natural heritage, biodiversity and climate action and encourage tree planting, where possible native species, in appropriate places and identify and include an active role for the ongoing involvement of local residents who express an interest in furthering these objectives’ (proposed additional text underscored).

The addition of the wording ‘flora and fauna’ and ‘where possible native species’ is considered reasonable. However, while recognising the merits of the proposed wording ‘and identify and include an active role for the ongoing involvement of local residents who express an interest in furthering these objectives’, an objective such as this is a matter outside the remit of a Development Plan. Community involvement would be better addressed through existing actions in the South Dublin Biodiversity Action Plan which supports engagement with communities in the undertaking of biodiversity projects.

Recommendation:  It is recommended that the motion is adopted with amendment. Revise the CE Strategic Recommendation under Natural Heritage & Biodiversity section, bullet no. 7 such that it reads as follows: '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’