1.6 Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity, Heritage & Landscape

1.6   Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity, Heritage and Landscape  

The Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023 seeks to establish wildlife corridors and green networks across the County.  The term ‘Green Infrastructure’ is used to describe these interconnected networks of land and water that sustain environmental quality and enrich our quality of life.  This includes nature conservation areas, parks, open space, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, woodlands, farmland and coastal areas which surround and are threaded through our towns and urban areas.

Balancing the provision of employment with the protection of the built and natural heritage forms an important element in the preparation of LAPs.  The provision of a high quality and attractive natural environment is central to supporting biodiversity and also attracting high end value added business and corporate headquarters.

• How can the need for development and employment be best balanced with the protection, conservation and enhancement of wild life habitats and natural resources?
• Can amenity areas and ‘pocket parks’ provided as part of a High Tech business park environment support wildlife and biodiversity?
• What greening initiatives should be considered for the area and incorporated into any new developments?
• What steps should be taken to protect and safeguard Broadmeadow Estuary which is both a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), adjacent to the southwest portion of the LAP lands?
• How can the integrity and setting of Lissen Hall, a protected structure located adjacent to the LAP lands, be best protected?
• How can the archaeological heritage of the LAP lands be ascertained and best protected?