In 2008, FCC proposed to give the Royal Canal a development buffer of 200 metres, to protect this "unique and valuable amenity". This never materialised and it was only given 15 metres buffer from development, in the FDP 2011-2016 and the current FDP. This 15 metres buffer was mirrored in the recently Kellystown Local Area Plan, which also showed scant regard for this vital green lung. I made a submission in 2021, to increase this buffer - as did many of our local councillors - however, in the draft 2023-2029 FDP, not only is the canal no longer specified in terms of a riparian buffer, it is referred to as "an urban waterway" and given a reduced protection of only 10 metres - the same that is allocated to streams and drains. This is unacceptable. The draft FDP allocates a riparian buffer of 30 metres to the main rivers in Fingal, stating that "to be ecologically effective, corridors need to be a minimum of 30 metres in width, from the top of each riverbank". The wildlife listed against these rivers, in the draft FDP, are also present in the Royal Canal and deserve equal protection. The Royal Canal is being disadvantaged, being situated alongside a railway line, which makes it vulnerable to high density housing. What must be emphasised, is that this is a 230 year old built and natural heritage amenity and it must be protected from development. I ask FCC to, to ensure the Royal Canal is assigned a 30 metre buffer from development.