COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2026

QUESTION NO. 26

QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

To ask the Chief Executive to identify any biodiversity-managed areas that have been removed, reduced or returned to conventional landscaping in the last 12 months including the reasons for those changes.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council has significantly expanded its biodiversity management programme in recent years. In 2019, there were no formally managed pollinator meadow areas within the Council's parks and open space network. Since then, the Council has progressively implemented a countywide meadow management programme as part of its Biodiversity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy and Pollinator Action Plans.

This has resulted in the creation of approximately 210 hectares of biodiversity and pollinator-friendly meadows across the county, this exceeds the target set under the Council's previous Pollinator Action Plan by 51%. These areas are managed through ecological mowing and cut-and-collect regimes, involving reduced mowing and the removal of grass cuttings. Over time, this reduces soil nutrient levels, allowing native wildflowers to thrive, increasing plant diversity and preventing more vigorous species from dominating. These meadows provide important food sources and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, improve ecological connectivity between parks and open spaces, and contribute to the wider Green Infrastructure network across South Dublin County. The programme forms part of a broader approach to biodiversity enhancement that includes hedgerow management, woodland management, tree planting, sustainable drainage systems, habitat creation and pollinator-friendly planting.

The Council has recently adopted its Pollinator Action Plan 2026-2030, which builds on the success of the previous plan and sets out 30 actions to further enhance habitats and support biodiversity across the county

Over the past 12 months, a limited number of biodiversity-managed areas have been modified to accommodate the community’s needs:

• A portion of meadow habitat was repurposed to facilitate the development of new recreational infrastructure, including a GAA pitch and two soccer pitches.
• A meadow area adjacent to Griffeen Glen Wood in Griffeen Valley Park was returned to grass management to facilitate an informal play and recreational area for children.

Biodiversity-managed areas are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained between biodiversity objectives, recreational and community needs. While meadow areas may be adjusted in certain locations over time, the Council continues to expand its biodiversity programme and actively identify new opportunities for meadow creation and enhancement in partnership with local communities and stakeholders.

As a result, the overall extent of biodiversity-managed areas within the county has continued to increase during the reporting period, with additional meadow areas established or expanded at Corkagh Park, Ballyowen Park, Collinstown Park, Willsbrook Park, Lucan Demesne, Tymon Park, Dodder Valley Park, Sean Walsh Park and Rathfarnham Castle Park.