I support retaining St. Edmundsbury as high amenity lands for the following reasons:

• Compliance with the National Planning Framework regarding enhancing local amenity, preserving heritage and transitioning to a climate-resilient society.
• Lucan lands have been developed considerably over the last 20 years, leaving very little natural space and local heritage. St. Edmundsbury is one of the last areas of flourishing nature in this region. It is absolutely essential for local biodiversity. Green infrastructure such as this aligns with NPFs focus on biodiversity, climate action and natural capital.
• Any development on these lands would severely damage ecological corridors around the Liffey river and damage the landscape's integrity.
• During the Covid-19 pandemic, St. Edmundsbury lands were vital to the local community's health and well-being. This further stressed the need for such land's availability to the public. Development on these lands and thus removal of this crucial local amenity would be a detriment to the local community.