COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 213
MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole
To incorporate all of Rathcoole Woodlands as is, into the Green Infrastructure Strategy as a pivotal GI Core with Rathcoole Park along the Camac Valley GI Corridor linking to Slade Valley and Crooksling Glen pNHA, Lugg Woods and the Rural Fringe Corridor, with text to be amended to reflect this.
REPORT:
The proposed motion seeks the incorporation of all Rathcoole Woodlands into the Green Infrastructure Strategy.
Rathcoole Woodlands adjoins Rathcoole Park which is included in the L7 Citywest-Saggart Corridor and through this to the Camac and Rural Fringe Primary GI Corridors as set out in Chapter 4 and Appendix 4 of the CE Draft Plan. Given the proximity of the Woodlands to this corridor any future proposals arising from the investigations to be carried out as part of delivery of the SLO can address the relationship of these lands with the GI Corridor.
However, it is considered premature to insert the objective as proposed at this time and that a Specific Local Objective (SLO) be included for Rathcoole MP lands and Environs. An SLO is more appropriate in this instance as it examines the area in combination with other factors and investigates the potential for alternative land uses having regard to existing habitats, the need for social and affordable housing, community infrastructure and access.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment:
Insert SLO (Chapter 2, Core Strategy (CS) Policy 10: Rathcoole, CS 10 SLO1) for Rathcoole MP lands and environs: “To investigate the potential for alternative land uses for the lands currently zoned RES-N (To provide for new residential communities in accordance with approved area plans) and OS (To preserve and provide for open space and recreational amenities) as identified by the SLO on the CDP land use zoning map, having regard to, existing habitats, the need for social and affordable housing, community infrastructure and access. Following this assessment, and where alternative land use arrangements are identified in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, to bring forward proposals for re-zoning.”