COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 132
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
That this Council sets a new land use zone, overarching policy and supporting policies for the preservation and protection of Rathcoole Woodlands by incorporating the following into the County Development Plan: • Set NATURAL, CULTURAL AND BUILT HERITAGE (NCBH) policy for Rathcoole Woodlands: to protect and enhance the outstanding natural character and amenity of Rathcoole Woodlands, including its landscape, visual, recreational, ecological, educational and historical heritage value, as a key element of the County's Green Infrastructure network.
REPORT:
The proposed motion seeks inclusion of a new zoning objective to protect and enhance Rathcoole Woodland.
It is recommended that the motion be amended and that a Specific Local Objective (SLO) be included for Rathcoole masterplan 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. 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 into Chapter 2, Core Strategy (CS) Policy 10: Rathcoole, CS 10 SLO1 and Map 8 to read ::
“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.”