COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2026

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor H. Farrell

That this Council, noting the commitments in the South Dublin County Council Pollinator Action Plan 2026–2030, Biodiversity Action Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy and Climate Action Plan, and Maynooth University research highlighting the potential of industrial estates, business parks and other enterprise lands to support pollinator corridors and ecological connectivity, calls on the Chief Executive to examine and report on how the Council’s existing biodiversity and pollinator objectives could be extended beyond Council-owned lands through engagement with management companies, employers, landowners and business park operators.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council recognises the potential of business parks, industrial estates and other enterprise lands to support pollinator habitat, ecological connectivity and climate resilience. This is consistent with the Council’s Pollinator Action Plan 2026–2030, Biodiversity Action Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy, County Development Plan and Climate Action Plan 2024–2029.

County Development Plan EDE1 Objective 6 supports lower-emission enterprise development, sustainable transport, renewable energy, and additional native planting and landscaping in enterprise areas. Together with the Green Infrastructure Strategy and minimum Green Space Factor requirements, it promotes greener development, carbon sequestration, quality placemaking and stronger habitat networks beyond individual sites.

These objectives are advanced through the development management process, including requirements for native and pollinator-friendly planting, hedgerow protection, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, woodland planting and other green infrastructure measures. The Council also notes Maynooth University research identifying practical opportunities for enterprise sites, such as reduced-mow areas and other site-appropriate measures.

The Climate Action Plan and Clondalkin Decarbonising Zone Implementation Plan also support collaboration with businesses through existing Council programmes, including community climate action, climate innovation and stakeholder engagement.

As resources permit, the Council will engage with management companies, employers, landowners, business park operators and representative bodies to identify voluntary actions, delivery barriers and potential pilot initiatives.

Measures on privately owned or managed lands will depend on landowner and operator cooperation and remain subject to operational, safety, maintenance and resource considerations.

A further report can be brought to the Environment, Public Realm & Climate Change SPC if substantive options or partnership opportunities emerge.