COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 181
MOTION: Councillor R. McMahon
Section 3.3.7 Geological Sites for Protection To include the Mass Rock (ITM co-ordinates 708415, 720958) on Ballymorefinn Hill on the list of Sites for Protection - Table 3.4
REPORT:
This is more appropriate as a Heritage Plan project, as it refers to a cultural heritage feature comprising a mass rock. There is an objective in the current Heritage Plan that addresses the issue raised in the motion. This is as follows: Objective 1.1ii. ‘Collate information on holy wells, mass rocks and mass paths in the County and develop a strategy to appreciate and protect these heritage features wherever possible’.
It is also noted that SDCC are provided with recommendations for Geological Sites for Protection from the Geological Society of Ireland. Mass rocks are generally not considered for protection as geological sites. For this reason, the objective in the Heritage Plan to develop a strategy for their appreciation and protection is more appropriate and relevant.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the motion is not adopted.