I strongly support the retention.of St Edmundsbury lands as land of high amenity for the following reasons;
1. The lands have huge value for the not only the local community, but for visitors to the area.
2. Lucan is extremely built up, people need places to connect with nature, time spent in wooded wild places improves mental wellbeing. This aligns with goals of our National Mental Health Strategy - Sharing the Vision.
3. Retaining the land as high amenity for the community complies with tje National Plannimg Framework which aims to enhance amenities for people, preserve heritage, and help to transition to a climate resilient society.
4. Compliance with the National Planning Frameworks means South Dublin County Council has a duty to protect green infrastructure, biodiversity and our natural capital. Development on St Edmundsbury would sever ecological corridors and permantly damage the landscapes integrity. The Framework also emphasises the importance of high quality natural spaces which allows community to attain a sense of place and improve community wellbeing.
5. Human activity is responsible for the climate crisis we now find ourselves in. Therefore every individual along with local government have an obligation to retain what little native tree cover is left. Ireland as a country performs dismally in cutting emmissions, we will not meet our targets for 2030. The lands of St Edmundsbury have a considerable amount of native tree's, which act in removing Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and aid climate action.