COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This committee requests that the Chief Executive provide a report to members showing what percentage of natural boundaries have been removed from all development /planning applications in Adamstown to date. With the removal of briars, trees etc how is this percentage working to ensure our biodiversity targets are been met. This motions seeks to have a discussion on the matter given there has been and continues to be non stop development in the area

REPORT:

The first Planning Scheme for Adamstown was made in 2003 and included an Environmental Appraisal (September 2003) as part of the consideration/ plan making.

The Environmental Appraisal outlined that the landscaping and planting will be designed to encourage the evolution of diverse habitats to support the development of the ecological environment. Furthermore, the EA stated there will be a loss of habitat and some native species may no longer inhabit the Plan lands. While some mature trees and good quality hedgerows will be preserved, natural vegetation will be removed.

A revised Adamstown SDZ Planning Scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in December 2014. This decision followed a review of the Adamstown SDZ Planning Scheme 2003, which was undertaken in 2013, and a subsequent appeal to An Bord Pleanála. The preparation of the Adamstown SDZ Planning Scheme 2014 included an Environmental Report and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

The Adamstown Planning Scheme 2014 included this text as an amendment to the 2003 Scheme:

‘The public open space network shall provide the basis for a green infrastructure network. Key landscape and ecological features within this network shall be retained and enhanced, as far as is practical.

Public open spaces shall be linked by a network of ‘green’ routes that retain and enhance existing landscape and ecological features such as trees, hedgerows and watercourses and incorporate new elements

such as street planting and sustainable urban drainage systems.

Opportunities to extend this green infrastructure network into individual schemes should also be explored where possible through use of sustainable design techniques at the local level that have beneficial environmental impacts.’

The Planning Authority seeks the integration of trees and hedgerows that exist on sites into the development layouts. In this context, each planning application is assessed on its merits and is required to be in accordance with the Planning Scheme. At pre planning stage, the Planning Authority advises of the need for up to date tree and hedgerow surveys by suitably qualified professionals.