Chapter 9: Green Infrastructure and Natural Heritage

9.5.1.3  Sustainable Water Management

The considered management and enhancement of watercourses including rivers and streams; riverine floodplains and wetland areas and coastal areas liable to flooding can provide effective measures to help manage flooding and improve the quality of water.

9.5.1.4  Archaeological and Heritage Landscapes

There is a significant link between our archaeological, built and natural heritage. Historic graveyards, stone structures and ruins are a rich part of not only our cultural but natural heritage and are of significant ecological value while archaeological monuments are often preserved within open space.

9.5.1.5  Landscape

This theme includes the Special Amenity Areas on Howth Head and the Liffey Valley; High Amenity Areas; Highly Sensitive Landscapes; and County Geological Sites.

9.5.2 Green Infrastructure and Planning

A key objective of Green Infrastructure planning is that Green Infrastructure management and provision is integrated with plans for growth and development. All proposals for development must take account of the County’s strategic Green Infrastructure resources and ensure that these are protected, managed and enhanced as new development takes place. In addition, proposals for development must seek to provide for the protection and provision of Green Infrastructure which addresses the five GI themes identified in the Development Plan in a coherent and integrated manner. 
Rewilding is defined as the process of innovation in conservation philosophy science and management, characterized by a desire to restore ecological processes at various scales, often through the introduction of functional species and restoration of natural processes.

9.6  Natural Heritage

Our natural heritage includes the variety of life we see around us every day, often referred to as biodiversity. Biodiversity includes everything from trees to weeds, from mammals to birds, from coast to countryside. Fingal hosts a wealth of wildlife including many threatened habitats and plant and animal species which are protected by law. The Baldoyle, Malahide and Rogerstown Estuaries support thousands of migratory birds during the winter. These sites have been designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. At EU level the most important habitats and species are protected through Natura 2000 which is the network of protected areas established under the Habitats and Birds Directives. In addition, member states are called on to develop and implement wider countryside measures in their land-use planning and development policies that support the coherence of the Natura 2000 network pursuant to Article 10 of the Habitats Directive and Article 3 of the Birds Directive.

At national level biodiversity policy is set out in the National Biodiversity Plan (NBP) which identifies habitat degradation and loss as the main factor eroding biodiversity in Ireland today. The spread of invasive species is also a growing problem and prohibitions are in place in relation to the introduction or dispersal of certain invasive species as set out in the Third Schedule of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). Many of the policy provisions of the NBP are given effect through the legislative framework provided by the Wildlife Acts (1976 - 2012) and through the implementation of the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Among other things, the NBP calls on local authorities to move towards no net loss of biodiversity through development management, to include policies and objectives in their County Development Plans for the protection and restoration of biodiversity and to develop a Green Infrastructure network at local level and promote the use of nature-based solutions for the delivery of a coherent and integrated network. It is important that all development proposals include measures to protect and enhance biodiversity. This will be achieved through the Development Management process and reference should be made to the Development Management Standards set out in Chapter 14.
 

9.6.1  Biodiversity Conservation in Fingal

Fingal hosts a wealth of wildlife including a range of threatened habitats and species which are protected by law. The most important sites for wildlife can be found along the coast. Baldoyle, Malahide and Rogerstown estuaries and the islands off the Fingal coast host a range of important habitats and species as well as being home to thousands of breeding and migratory birds. The Rockabill to Dalkey Island marine Special Area Conservation (SAC) is located off the Fingal coast and was designated for the underwater reefs and as a habitat for Harbour Porpoise. In addition to the coastal sites, two wetland sites in Fingal (Sluice River Marsh and the Bog of the Ring) are proposed for designation as Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) under national wildlife legislation.

The occurrence of protected flora and fauna species is not confined to protected sites. Protected birds, bats, otters and badgers for example are frequently found in the wider countryside. The Fingal Ecological Network sets out a spatial framework for biodiversity conservation and management in Fingal. The ecological network consists of the following elements (See Green Infrastructure Maps):

• Core Biodiversity Conservation Areas,
• Ecological Buffer Zones around Core areas,
• Nature Development Areas,
• Ecological Corridors and Stepping Stones including Trees and Hedgerows.

The approach is primarily based on strictly protecting the most important biodiversity conservation areas in the County as required by law, including the identification and protection of ecological buffer zones around these areas, providing opportunities for nature through the development of conservation initiatives in nature development areas and by protecting important movement corridors and stepping stones for wildlife in the landscape.

9.6.2  Core Biodiversity Conservation Areas

The most important nature conservation sites make up the core biodiversity conservation areas. These include internationally and nationally designated sites, sites hosting habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive and sites hosting rare and protected flora species and their habitats. Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are being or have been, designated to conserve habitats and species of European importance pursuant to the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. These sites are part of a pan-European network known as Natura 2000 (See Table BD01). Article 6 of the Habitats Directive requires that the impacts of any plans or projects likely to affect Natura 2000 sites are assessed by the Planning Authority via Appropriate assessment (see Chapter 14 – Development Management Standards).

Table 9.1 Protected Areas of International and National Importance

SAC = Special Area of Conservation SPA = Special Protection Area

pNHA = proposed Natural Heritage Area NHA = Natural Heritage Area

WFDRPA = Water Framework Directive Register of Protected Areas site Ramsar = site designated pursuant to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands SNR = Statutory Nature Reserve

RFF = Refuge for Fauna

* = This area is not mapped on Green Infrastructure 2, Sheet 15 owing to the 24 km distance from shore but can be reviewed in SI 99 of 2016, 24 February 2016, as a map is attached. See www.npws.ie.

9.6.3  Protected Areas of National Importance

Under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) are being designated to conserve species and habitats of national importance. This includes the Liffey Valley, Royal Canal and wetland sites such as the Sluice River Marsh and the Bog of the Ring. There are also a number of Statutory Nature Reserves and Refuges for Fauna in Fingal. These areas, established under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, are areas where nature conservation is the primary objective and takes precedence over all other activities. The Council will normally only grant permission where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal will have no significant adverse impact on the habitats and species of interest in the designated area and its ecological integrity.

9.6.4  Habitat Areas Listed on Annex I of the Habitats Directive Located Outside Designated Areas

A number of areas hosting habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive but outside Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) have been identified in the County (see Green Infrastructure Maps). These include sand-dunes, shingle and gravel banks and shores, orchid rich grasslands, petrifying springs, and vegetated sea cliffs. The majority of these habitats are found along the coast. Some of these habitats are also important for coastal defence. The Council will normally only grant planning permission where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal will have no significant adverse impact on the habitats of interest in these areas and their ecological integrity.

9.6.5  Rare and Protected Species and their Habitats

See also Green Infrastructure Maps and Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan
Certain plant, animal and bird species are rare and threatened. This includes nationally rare plants which occur in Fingal, plants listed in the Red Data Lists of Irish Plants, Flora (Protection) Order 2015 (or other such Orders) and their habitats, birds listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, and animals and birds listed in the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 and subsequent statutory instruments. Many of these species are protected by law. In addition, strict protection under the Habitats Directive applies to the species listed in Annex IV of that Directive, including all bat species, the otter, and all cetaceans. Where Annex IV species are present, all possible measures to avoid damage and disturbance to them must be taken in the formulation of proposals for development. Where the risk of damage or disturbance is unavoidable, an application for a derogation licence may be made to the Minister for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under Regulation 54 or 55 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 477/2011). The derogation licence should be obtained in advance of seeking planning permission for a proposed development. An Ecological Impact Assessment shall be required for any proposed development likely to have a significant impact on species protected by law and their habitats. The Council will normally only grant permission where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal will have no significant adverse impact, is incapable of satisfactory avoidance or mitigation on the species of interest and associated habitat(s).

9.6.6  Ecological Buffer Zones

The Council has identified lands around Malahide/Broadmeadow, Rogerstown and Baldoyle estuaries and around Sluice River Marsh and the Bog of the Ring as ecological buffer zones. These buffer zones protect the ecological integrity of the nationally and internationally designated sites by providing suitable habitat for key species such as birds, by providing for compatible landuses around the designated sites, and in the case of the freshwater wetland areas, by ensuring a steady supply of clean groundwater and surface water. Around the estuaries the buffer zones can also provide for recreational uses and are also important for coastal flood protection and for climate change adaptation. Ecological buffer zones are areas where agricultural uses may be combined with nature conservation and low-intensity recreational use such as walking and cycling.

9.6.7  Nature Development Areas

'Nature Development Areas', are locations where nature conservation can be combined with existing activities such as farming, forestry, quarrying and recreation (e.g. golf courses). These areas are reservoirs of biodiversity in the wider countryside and together with the corridors and stepping stones allow species to move through the landscape. Specific objectives have been developed for the Nature Development Areas in the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan and the Council will work with landowners to achieve benefits for biodiversity in these areas.

9.6.8  Ecological Corridors and Stepping Stones Including Trees and Hedgerows

Ecological corridors are linear landscape features such as rivers, hedgerows and road verges that facilitate the movement of wildlife through the landscape. Stepping stones are located along these corridors and comprise a series of smaller landscape features such as small woodlands, areas of scrub, wet grassland and marshes. The key corridors in Fingal are along the major rivers, including their floodplains and the adjacent farmland or parkland. The Liffey, Tolka, Pinkeen, Ward, Broadmeadow, Ballyboghil, Corduff, Sluice, Mayne and Delvin rivers and their tributaries, are salmonid systems (designated pursuant to Directive 78/659/EEC) and are therefore of particular significance. The Liffey and the Ward river are exceptional in supporting Atlantic Salmon (listed in Annex II of the Habitats Directive), Sea Trout and Brown Trout populations. To be ecologically effective corridors need to be a minimum of 30m in width measured from the top of each riverbank. This width allows many species associated with rivers such as the Otter, Bats, Kingfisher, and Dipper, together with the aquatic species in the rivers such as Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout and Lamprey to thrive. These have been selected because of their existing or potential value for wildlife. A buffer of a minimum width of 10m measured from each bank shall apply along small streams and drains. A minimum 10m wide riparian buffer strip measured from the top of the bank either side of all watercourses applies to lands within urban areas - i.e. within designated settlement boundaries (as per FCC’s Settlement Hierarchy set out in Chapter 2, Planning for Growth). Where lands encompass urban and rural areas, a transitional approach from the urban riparian requirements to the rural riparian requirements may be appropriate and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Within urban areas the Council aims to protect, develop and enhance terrestrial urban ecological corridors along existing linear features such as hedgerows where possible with a minimum width of 25m. These corridors comprise of a mixture of hedgerow, scrub, rank grassland, wildflower meadow, ponds, marshland and dead timber. SuDS features such as ponds and wetlands can be incorporated within these corridors. Green corridors should be incorporated into all new large developments, as part of Green Infrastructure provision, linking large areas of open space and linking with areas outside the development site.

The Council will normally only grant planning permission where it is clearly demonstrated that a proposal will not adversely affect the habitats and/or species of interest in the corridor or stepping stone or compromise its function as an ecological corridor or stepping stone. Proposals for development affecting these areas should also seek to enhance the ecological values of the corridor or stepping stone as an integral part of the proposal. An ecological assessment may be required for any proposed development likely to have a significant impact on habitats and species of interest in an ecological corridor or stepping stone.

9.6.9  Protection of Trees and Hedgerows

There is extensive evidence for the wide range of services and value of trees and hedgerows including establishing a sense of place and providing healthy environments. Trees also contribute to visual amenity in built-up areas and by adding significant visual interest in more rural areas. Hedgerows often mark historic field patterns and townland boundaries and significantly enhance the landscape character of rural areas. Trees and hedgerows also perform a vital role as wildlife habitats, biodiversity corridors and essential green elements in the County’s Green Infrastructure network. They have a further crucial role in improving urban air quality and carbon sequestration (capturing and storing carbon), contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

9.6.10  Protected Trees (Tree Preservation Orders)

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) may be made under Section 205 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. A TPO can be made if it appears to the planning authority to be desirable and appropriate in the interest of amenity or the environment and can apply to a tree, trees, group of trees or woodland. Currently there are three locations where trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order in Fingal. These are The Vicarage, Church Road, Swords, Santry Demesne and Brackenstown/Brazil, Swords.

9.6.11  Shellfish Waters

See Green Infrastructure Maps

The aim of the Shellfish Waters Directive is to protect or improve shellfish waters by requiring Member States to designate waters that need protection in order to support shellfish life and growth. The Shellfish Waters Directive was transposed into legislation in Ireland by the European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 268/2006), which were subsequently amended by the European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 55/2009) and subsequently by the Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 464/2009). It is noted that at EU level the Shellfish Directive was repealed with shellfish waters being afforded protection under the WFD. There are two areas off the Fingal coast designated as Shellfish Waters pursuant to the Shellfish Regulations.

9.6.12  County Geological Sites

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) has identified 21 County Geological Sites in Fingal which are important geological heritage sites. Some of these sites may be designated, in due course, as National Heritage Areas (NHAs) because of their geological interest from a national perspective.

Table 9.2 Geological Heritage Sites

Soils

Soil sealing can be defined as the destruction or covering of the ground by an impermeable material. It is one of the main causes of soil degradation and soil sealing often affects fertile agricultural land, puts biodiversity at risk, increases the risk of flooding and water scarcity and contributes to global warming. Urbanisation is an ongoing trend leading to land take and soil sealing at the expense of agricultural land and other open landscapes.

9.6.13  Landscape

Landscapes are living elements that have responded to, and continue to respond to history, culture, natural cycles, weather events, water, climatic change and economic factors with influences spanning land uses such as agriculture, transport, tourism, industry and energy and settlement patterns. Landscapes give us a strong sense of place. The European Landscape Convention which Ireland ratified in 2002 forms the basis for inclusive and participative landscape management. It defines landscape as ‘…an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’ and this definition has been incorporated into the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

The National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 recognises the importance of landscape protection and its relationship with biodiversity and climate change. The RSES recognises the need for national and regional landscape character assessments to be carried out to promote better landscape management and planning in the region, consistent with NPO 61 of the NPF and RPO 7.27 of the RSES.
 

9.6.14  Landscape Character Assessment

The Development Plan’s Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) provides for the classification of Fingal’s landscapes into the following (1) types and values and (2) sensitivities. Character Types represent generic areas of distinctive character that makes one landscape different from another such as uplands or the coast, while Sensitivity is evaluated using criteria ranging from high to low. A highly sensitive landscape is likely to be vulnerable to change whereas a landscape with a low sensitivity is likely to be less at risk from change.

Table 9.3 Landscape Character Assessment Summary-Character, Value and Sensitivity

Rolling Hills Character Type

Rolling Hills Character Type is made up principally of agricultural land and is of value due to the Ward and Broadmeadow River and the ecological and visual attributes they bring. The protected views (R108 (St Margaret’s to Naul road) and R125 (Swords to Ashbourne Road), tree belts and undulating lands also add value to the area. An important quality is the archaeological heritage in Swords. The Rolling Hills Character Type is categorised as having a modest value.

High Lying Character Type

The High Lying Character Type is categorised as having a high value, its importance highlighted by the High Amenity zoning covering substantial parts of the area. This is an area of upland, rising to a high point of 176 metres at Hillfort Mound, to the southeast of the Naul. These hills afford panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains to the north, the coastline to the east and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. There are a number of important visual ridges on these uplands, that can be seen from wide areas of Fingal and Meath. Almost the whole County can be viewed from the more elevated roads. It

also has an important ecological value with strong hedgerows and the presence of the ‘Bog of the Ring’ proposed Natural Heritage Area here. There is little obtrusive or inappropriate development in the area and there is a pronounced absence of any substantial coniferous woodland.

Low Lying Character Type

Low Lying Character Type has an open character combined with large field patterns, few tree belts and low roadside hedges. The main settlements located within the area include Oldtown, Ballyboghil and Lusk and parts of Malahide and Donabate. Dublin Airport is located in this area. This low-lying area is dominated by agriculture and a number of settlements. The area is categorised as having a modest value. It contains pockets of important value areas requiring particular attention such as important archaeological monuments and demesnes and also the Feltrim Hill and Santry Demesne proposed Natural Heritage Areas

Estuary Character Type

The Estuary Character Type is categorised as having an exceptional value, recognised by the EU designations (candidate Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas) that apply to each in addition to national designations such as proposed Natural Heritage Areas and Ramsar. Estuary Character consists of the three large sand spits which have created protected estuarine and saltmarsh habitats of great ornithological and ecological interest at Rogerstown, Swords/ Malahide and Baldoyle. The flat horizontal nature of estuaries means that views are generally contained within the low hills and dunes that enclose these areas. There are some groups of trees to the edges of the estuary zones especially to the north side of the Swords/Malahide estuary. The character of these zones can alter depending on the tidal condition. The aesthetic quality of the estuaries is also outstanding.

Coastal Character Type

Coastal Character Type is categorised as having an exceptional landscape value. The type forms the eastern boundary of the County and contains a number of important beaches, islands and headlands that together create a landscape of high amenity and landscape value. A number of important settlements are located within this area, including Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Malahide, Portmarnock and Howth. The land is generally low lying, with the exception of some prominent headlands and hills in the northern part of the area, Howth and the offshore islands. Most of the Howth peninsula is covered by the 1999 Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO).

There are a number of important demesne or estate landscapes containing important woodlands in or adjoining this area at Ardgillan, Hampton, Milverton and Portrane. Horticulture (around Rush), golf courses and individual dwellings are prevalent land uses in the area also. Views along the coast are generally contained within headlands, ridgelines and harbours, creating a number of visual compartments.

The Coastal Character Type is categorised as having an exceptional landscape value. This value is arrived at due to the combination of visual, ecological, recreational and historical attributes. The area has magnificent views out to sea, to the islands and to the Mourne and Wicklow mountains and contains numerous beaches and harbours. The area’s importance is highlighted by the High Amenity zoning covering substantial parts of the area. The area is rich in archaeological, architectural and natural heritage and is of high ecological value.
 

River Valleys and Canal Character Type.

The Tolka and Liffey valleys together with the Royal Canal Corridor are the main landscape features in this area. The Tolka and Liffey valleys are characterised by areas of grassland along meandering river valleys which, especially in the case of the Liffey, are well wooded at the edge of the floodplain and along the valley slopes. Areas of both valleys support recreational facilities along their corridors. A number of institutional and private demesnes along the valley edges maintain a rural and wooded character to the areas. However, housing estates are beginning to encroach into corridor areas. In recognition of the special amenity value of this area a Special Amenity Area Order (SAAO) was made for the Liffey Valley between Lucan and Chapelizod in 1990. This designation includes specific controls over development. The River Liffey is also a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). The Royal Canal corridor is also included in this zone. The canal and its corridor provide valuable habitat for fish and other species and is a pNHA. The canal itself and the many bridges and other structures associated with it are an integral part of the County’s architectural heritage. This Character Type is categorised as having a high value, due to the visual and recreation qualities contained therein. This is evident by virtue of the High Amenity zoning and SAA designation in the area in addition to the dense tree belts and steep river valley slopes. The river valleys and the canal are also important for their ecology and biodiversity.

See also Green Infrastructure and Zoning Maps

Fingal has many areas of high-quality landscape especially along the coast, the river valleys and the upland area to the north along the border with County Meath. As a result, the County contains many vantage points from which views and prospects of great natural beauty may be obtained over both seascape and rural landscape. The scenery and landscape of the County are of enormous amenity value to residents and tourists and constitute a valuable economic asset. The protection of this asset is therefore of primary importance in developing the potential of the County. Given the high rates of economic and population growth, the challenge the County faces is to manage the landscape so that any change is positive in its effects, such that the landscapes we value are protected. There is a need, therefore, to protect and conserve views and prospects throughout the County for future generations. In assessing views and prospects it is not proposed that this should give rise to the prohibition of development along these routes, but development, where permitted, should not hinder or obstruct these views and prospects and should be designed and located to minimise their impact. Views and prospects for protection have been identified on the Green Infrastructure Maps and zoning maps.

Special Amenity Area Orders are in place for Howth and the Liffey Valley. The Order for the Liffey Valley between Lucan Bridge and Chapelizod was confirmed by the Minister for the Environment in March 1990 and the Howth Order was confirmed by the Minister in 1999. The Council recognises that the Liffey Valley and Howth are two of the great natural assets of the Greater Dublin Area having a rich natural, built and cultural heritage. The Council will ensure that these areas are protected and enhanced, and that enjoyment by the public is facilitated.

9.6.17  High Amenity Zoning

A High Amenity zoning (HA) has been applied to areas of the County of high landscape value. These are areas which consist of landscapes of special character in which inappropriate development would contribute to a significant diminution of landscape value in the County. These landscape areas meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Contain scenic landscape of high quality,
• Afford expansive or interesting views of surrounding areas,
• Are components in important views and prospects,
• Are unique or special within the County,
• Are important elements in defining the coastal character of the County,
• Act as a backdrop to important coastal views,
• Contain important groups of trees or woodland,
• Are elevated or ridge sites on which development would be obtrusive,
• Provide public access to interesting attractive landscapes or to semi-natural areas.

9.7  The Coast and Coastal Protection

Fingal’s coastline extends from Kilbarrack Stream in the south of the County to the Delvin River located north of Balbriggan. It is characterised by a series of shallow bays between headlands with a variety of inlets, islands, harbours, beaches and a number of protected areas of national and international importance. It is the single most important natural resource in the County. As well as being an economic resource for the fishing, leisure and tourism industries, the coastal area is significant in terms of cultural and archaeological heritage having been the focus of human settlement and activity for thousands of years. In addition, significant portions of the coastline are visually sensitive as evidenced by the many protected views and prospects, high amenity zonings and areas of exceptional landscape value which are highly sensitive to development. It is important that the coast is managed and developed in a way which protects and enhances its natural and cultural heritage and its landscape. The future economic, tourism, recreational and energy resource potential of the coast will need to be balanced with the requirement to protect its natural heritage, water quality and attractions.

The National Marine Planning Framework was published in July 2021 in accordance with EU Directive 2014/89/EU. It sets out a national strategy for the strategic planning and sustainable development in the maritime area for the purpose of achieving ecological, economic and social priorities (managing marine assets). Common terrestrial / marine policy areas include renewable energy, electricity networks, coastal and flood defences, fishing and aquaculture, ports and harbours, public access, tourism and recreation, protected sites and species, seascape and landscape. Development proposals must avoid significant reduction in the distribution and net extent of important habitats and other habitats that important species depend on, including avoidance of activity that may result in disturbance or displacement of habitats.

The coast is an ever-changing dynamic environment, subject to the continuous natural processes of erosion and deposition. While erosion is a normal occurrence in coastal areas, rates of erosion may be accelerated due to storm action, inappropriate development, pressures from leisure or recreational activities or the presence of man-made protection works. In addition, the impacts of predicted sea level rise and increase in the frequency of storm surges and high tides due to climate change need to be considered. It is recognised that defending long stretches of soft shoreline from erosion and coastal flooding may become technically and economically unsustainable in the future as a result of these climate change conditions.

There are broadly two approaches to dealing with coastal erosion and coastal flooding: providing engineered coastal defence structures or applying coastal adaptation strategies. The provision of engineered coastal defence structures can be divided into soft and hard engineering approaches. The soft engineering approach uses ecological principles and practices, which support the natural process of erosion and deposition, to maintain and enhance natural systems (such as sand-dunes, beaches, salt marshes, mudflats). In essence soft engineering uses existing habitats and vegetation to soften the land-water interface while maintaining the integrity of the shoreline. Hard engineering, on the other hand, is generally defined as controlled disruption of natural processes by using man-made structures. As the cost of hard engineering structures and their maintenance is high, such solutions are normally confined to densely populated locations where it is considered necessary to protect significant public infrastructure. In addition, the provision of hard defences can alter patterns of deposition, erosion or sedimentation elsewhere along the coastline leading to unintended impacts elsewhere. These factors, together with the fact that there is little information on the dynamics of coastal processes in Fingal, suggest that the provision of hard defences should be restricted along the coast to the maximum extent possible.

Coastal adaptation allows natural processes to take place and for lands to flood or erode without intervention. This may be combined with the removal of structures that would be affected by flooding or erosion. This approach eliminates the need for coastal defence structures but does require sufficient space for the coastal processes to take place. Managed retreat is a step further whereby coastal protection measures are removed to allow for more coastal flooding and/or where it is no longer economically feasible to maintain the existing defence structures.

Managed retreat tends to create more attenuation space to deal with coastal flooding issues and it helps to provide a natural buffer against coastal erosion. Best practice in coastal zone management stipulates not to interfere with the coast and the coastal processes if at all possible. This is mainly due to the unforeseen consequences of protective measures on other parts of the coast and the costs associated with the installation and future maintenance of coastal protection structures.

9.7.1  New Development in Coastal Areas

Coastal development must take account of the changing and dynamic nature of the coast and the need for coastal protection as described above. The coastal zone is subject to growing pressures from increasing population and increasing and sometimes conflicting social, economic and recreational uses. As a general principle, development in coastal areas should be accommodated wherever possible in previously developed areas before consideration is given to development in greenfield sites.

In all cases proposals for coastal development must consider the need for coastal defence. Development will only be permitted where the Council is satisfied that the development will not add to the requirement, if any, for any coastal defence works in the area over the lifetime of the development. Provision must also be made for the retention of existing soft defences such as beaches, sand-dunes, salt marshes and estuary lands. Development should be set-back a sufficient distance from soft defences and erodible coastline to allow for natural processes, such as erosion and flooding, to take place in these areas. A number of areas of coastline at risk from coastal erosion have been identified in the County based on current information and experience (see Green Infrastructure Maps). In these areas there will be a presumption against new development unless it can be shown, based on best available scientific information, that the likelihood of coastal erosion over the lifetime of the development is minimal. This will ensure that no new development takes place in areas likely to be subject to coastal erosion in the future.

9.7.2  Coastal Tourism and Recreation

The coast is an established area of leisure and amenity. Coastal areas have great potential for tourist related projects which could generate sustainable employment opportunities. These include land- based activities such as walking and cycling on the Fingal Coastal Way and water-based activities such as bathing, kayaking, surfing, kite-boarding and angling all along the Fingal coast. The infrastructure associated with such activities can conflict with the sensitive nature of the coast. In addition, motorised forms of water sports, such as power boating, raise particular concerns in terms of interference with the enjoyment of coastal amenities by other members of the public and can lead to adverse impacts on the natural heritage. It will be necessary to identify locations on the coast where these activities can be catered for without being in conflict with other objectives or contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The Council recognises that these activities require a coastal location but need to be controlled and directed appropriately in view of the sensitive nature of the coast.

9.7.3   The Islands

There are a number of islands in Fingal, namely Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Shenick Island, Colt Island, St. Patrick’s Island and Rockabill. Lambay Island is the only inhabited island. All of the islands are zoned as High Amenity Areas and they are all designated nature conservation sites of national or international importance. They are also of importance from an archaeological and architectural heritage viewpoint.

9.7.4  Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere Reserves are places where nature and people connect. They are areas which are internationally recognised for their biological diversity yet also actively managed to promote a positive relationship between people and nature. The Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve is a special designation awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It is part of a global network of 651 Biosphere Reserves in 120 countries. The Biosphere extends to over 300 sq km, with over 300,000 people living within the newly enlarged Biosphere. The Biosphere designation does not add or detract from the regulatory framework already in place to protect Dublin Bay but encourages cooperation between the many stakeholders from across the bay to manage this natural amenity resource on Dublin’s doorstep in a sustainable manner.

The Biosphere is managed by the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership which includes Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin Port Company, Failte Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service and local community groups and NGOs. The partnership is working to promote the protection of habitats and species, to support education and research within the site and to support a sustainable economy for people living and working in the area.