Protect all the re-wilded land in and about Rathcoole Woodlands

I ask that all the lands in and around Rathcoole Woodlands that are re-wilding be protected. Survey Reports (BSM report, and Hodd report) have shown not only that these contain rare EU protected habitat - Annex 1 Alluvial Woodland, but also the remaining re-wilding land adjacent is part of a mosaic of habitats that support the Alluvial Woodlands as well as being a valuable resource for wildlife, including nesting birds and bats. Any development in or near these lands will lead to adverse impacts on the water table of these wetland habitats as well as constrict the potential for wildlife to thrive in this area. These lands are referred to under Section 2.7.2 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns / Self-Sustaining Town – Rathcoole, Amendment 2.13, Page 73 of the draft plan.

I am asking in relation to the proposed rezoning and zoning amendments to map 8, that all the rewilding area is protected.  The rewilding area is the land owned by South Dublin County Council, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Dept of Education.

This means that where the rewilding area overlaps with the Res – N in the zoning map accompanying CS10 SLO1 along with the proposed rural zoning; is changed to, in order of preference:

·         Nature/Biodiversity Conservation Zoning (new zoning)

·         High Amenity Zoning

·         Rural Zoning

This is accepting that Rural zoning does not provide full protection. We need to have strong conservation action on this biodiversity gem.

How will the wildlife; bats, birds, badgers, frogs, deer, the crawlers, walkers, fliers, swimmers, that feed, sleep, live, or reproduce within this magnificent mosaic of habitats continue to do so with the proposed zoning?

All this in the context of the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

I also urge the Council to reconsider the zoning of wildflower meadow to Res-N. It is a valuable lowland hay meadow and superb for pollinators. It is a prized area of our Park, used by walkers, runners and dog walkers.