COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 227
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
To work in collaboration with the owners of lands along the perimeter of Rathcoole Woodlands for its protection and that of the wildlife using it and the ecological services it provides.
REPORT:
The proposed motion seeks the Council to work in collaboration with landowners to ensure the protection of Rathcoole Woodlands.
It is recommended that the motion be amended and 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 value of the woodland and will inform any future zonings, designations or masterplans for the area which will be subject to the appropriate public consultation process.
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.”