COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO. 250

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole

Page 111 Green Infrastructure GI 4 Objective 3 To require multifunctional open space provision within new developments to include, as additional space, provision for ecology and sustainable water management, where such a need has been identified. (see page 219 COS Objective 1, in reference to the amendment of 'additional space')

REPORT:

The proposed motion seeks the amendment of GI 4 Objective 3 from:

To require multi-functional open space provision within new developments to include provision for ecology and sustainable water management.

To

To require multifunctional open space provision within new developments to include, as additional space, provision for ecology and sustainable water management, where such a need has been identified.

The motion also references COS 5 Objective 1 on page 219 of the CE Draft Plan within Chapter 8.

Chapter 8 ‘Community Infrastructure and Open Space’ sets out the quantitative standard for open space under COS 5 Objective 1, these quantity is based on recognised international standards.  Under Section 8.7.5 ‘Quality of Public Open Space’ there are five key elements that must be adhered to ensure that quality open space is appropriately designed. Specifically, ‘Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity and Sustainable Water Management’ states that “Parks and open spaces should be located to connect with each other so as to create green corridors and optimise their green infrastructure function. Existing trees, hedgerows and watercourses should be retained to maximise the natural setting of parks and open spaces. Planting should comprise native and pollinator friendly species. Sustainable water management in the form of features such as integrated constructed wetlands, ponds, swales and basins should be incorporated within public open spaces and add to the amenity and biodiversity value of the spaces (appropriate to level within the open space hierarchy).”  The different qualitative elements of open space set out in Chapter 8 are all considered within the set standard of 2.4ha per 1000 population

The proposed motion refers to COS 5 Objective 1: “To support a hierarchy of multi-functional, accessible parks and public open spaces across the County based on existing populations and planned growth in accordance with the overall standard of 2.4ha per 1,000 population” in terms of establishing ‘additional space’. It should be noted that this need has already been identified though background evidence hence the inclusion of COS 5 Objective 1.

It is considered that the motion inappropriately changes the meaning and implication of GI 4 Objective 3 which recognises the multi-functional requirement for open space and makes clear, as part of GI, that this includes ecology and sustainable water management. As such, the proposed amendment would not align with the relevant quantitative and qualitative standards and requirements for open space set out in Chapter 8.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the motion is not adopted.