COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO. 180

MOTION: Councillor L. Dunne

Chapter 3: Policy NCBH 4: Add new objective NCBH 4 Objective 3: To ensure that intact hedgerows/trees will be maintained above the contour line within the County ensuring that the strong rural character will not be diluted; important heritage features & potential wildlife corridors are protected.

REPORT:

It is unclear what contour line this motion relates to.

However, there are numerous objectives and policies in the draft Plan to protect rural character, heritage features and biodiversity. These are set out in the Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage Chapter 3 of the Plan and are supported by objectives throughout the Plan. These include the overarching policy NCBH 1:

Protect, conserve and enhance the County’s natural, cultural and built heritage, supporting its sensitive integration into the development of the County for the benefit of present and future generations.

NCBH 11 Objective 3 and Objective 4 are also directly relevant for the protection of existing trees, hedgerows and woodlands. Objective 4 acknowledge the role of hedgerows as biodiversity corridors and their visual amenity and landscape character value.

The requirements set out in Chapter 13, Implementation and Monitoring, in particular the provisions of Section 13.3 provide a balanced approach to the need to protect the value of trees in the County and the complementary need to facilitate sustainable development.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted