COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 129
MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole
Insert after renamed Policy 10 (or where appropriate in this section): NCBH 10 Objective 4: To designate Rathcoole Woodlands as a space for Nature and Biodiversity in relevant sections of the Development Plan and to determine and establish a zone of protection around the perimeter of the Woodlands.
REPORT:
The proposed motion seeks for the inclusion of a zone of protection around the perimeter of the Woodlands and to designate Rathcoole Woodlands as a space for Nature and Biodiversity.
It is recommended that the motion be amended and a Specific Local Objective (SLO) be included for Rathcoole MP lands and Environs. An SLO for the area of the masterplan lands and environs 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. Such an investigation will have due regard to the biodiversity and amenity value of the woodland.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to insert an SLO in Chapter 2, Core Strategy (CS) Policy 10: Rathcoole, CS 10 SLO1 and in Map 8 to read:
Insert SLO 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.”