COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

MOTION NO. 18

MOTION: Councillor S. O'Hara

"That this Area Committee seeks as a matter of urgency, all hydrological reports commissioned by the Council relating to Core Strategy 10 Rathcoole Specific Local Objective 1 / Rathcoole Master Plan/Rathcoole Woodlands given the critical importance of hydrology to the survival and ecological integrity of the priority Annex (Rathcoole) Alluvial Woodlands."

REPORT:

Following approval from the Elected Members, CS10 SLO 1 was inserted into the Draft County Development Plan to go on public display in July 2021. The SLO reads:

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 protecting existing habitats, Biodiversity and the Rathcoole Woodlands, 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.

A draft habitat and ecological assessment and draft Flood Risk Identification Report (FRI) has been carried out on lands relating to CS10 SLO 1 and the outcome of such will be made available once completed. The draft habitat and ecological assessment identify drainage ditches, streams and springs as well as hydrological connections. The draft FRI makes use of Eastern CFRAM mapping, which has been subject to hydraulic analysis.

On foot of the CS10 SLO 1, the review of the draft habitat and ecological assessment and draft FRI Report is ongoing and the outcome of such will also be made available once completed. The review will incorporate the findings of the Draft South Dublin County Council Development Plan Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), which incorporates a hydro-morphological Assessment and maps Riparian Corridors along the southern and eastern boundaries of the site that is subject to the SLO. The SFRA was published in July 2021 as part of the public consultation on the Draft County Development Plan.