COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 225
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
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. 'GI Cores serve as anchors within the network. They are ecological resources of regional / national importance, and / or high levels of outstanding amenity and act as points of origin / destination for wildlife at which essential ecological processes occur'. (Council presentation)
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.
It is considered premature at this time to insert the objective as proposed. However, it is considered 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.
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.
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.”