Save St. Edmundsbury

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to express my full support for the continued designation of the lands at St Edmundsbury as High Amenity within the Development Plan.

St Edmundsbury represents a valuable natural asset that makes an important contribution to the environmental quality, biodiversity, landscape character and overall wellbeing of the local community. In an era of increasing urban development, protecting established green spaces such as this is essential to ensuring that future growth is balanced, sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Of particular importance is the ecological value of these lands. The area provides habitat for a variety of native plants and wildlife while forming part of a wider network of green infrastructure. These natural spaces enable wildlife movement, support biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of local ecosystems. Once these habitats are fragmented or replaced by development, the ecological damage is often irreversible and cannot be adequately recreated through mitigation measures elsewhere.

Retaining the High Amenity zoning is consistent with the objectives of the National Planning Framework, which recognises the importance of safeguarding green infrastructure, protecting biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience and promoting healthy, sustainable communities. Conserving natural landscapes should be regarded as a key component of responsible planning rather than an obstacle to development.

The open character of St Edmundsbury also contributes significantly to the identity of the surrounding area. It provides an attractive landscape setting, preserves important views and offers a valuable sense of openness that contrasts with the built environment. This connection with nature enhances residents’ quality of life and creates opportunities for recreation, relaxation and appreciation of the local environment.

From an environmental perspective, these lands deliver a range of natural benefits that become increasingly important as climate change presents new challenges. Green spaces help absorb surface water, reduce the risk of localised flooding, store carbon, improve air quality, moderate temperatures during periods of extreme heat and provide essential habitats for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Protecting existing natural landscapes is one of the most effective and sustainable ways of delivering these benefits for present and future generations.

South Dublin continues to experience significant development pressure. While the provision of housing and infrastructure is important, sustainable planning requires an appropriate balance between development and the preservation of irreplaceable environmental assets. Maintaining the High Amenity designation at St Edmundsbury demonstrates a commitment to protecting natural heritage, ecological integrity and community wellbeing alongside future growth.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge South Dublin County Council to retain the existing High Amenity zoning for the lands at St Edmundsbury and to resist any proposal that would diminish their ecological, environmental, recreational or landscape significance.

The decisions made today will shape the character of this area for decades to come. By protecting St Edmundsbury, the Council has an opportunity to preserve an important ecological resource and a cherished green space that will continue to benefit both current residents and future generations. Once lost to development, these environmental qualities cannot be replaced.

I therefore strongly support the retention of the High Amenity designation for the lands at St Edmundsbury.

Best Regards,

Graham Forde