Ref Section 4.2.5 Landscape, Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage Amendment 4.9

I support the need to protect the Woodlands in Rathcoole which are of significance from environmental, biodiversity and amenity perspectives. I welcome the fact that the Council's own ecological assessment found that 'overall the site is currently considered to be of County ecological importance for its mosaic of Annex I (priority) habitats, species-rich semi-natural habitats, heritage value hedgerows, wetland habitats and mosaic of wooded and non-wooded semi-natural habitats which are rare in County Dublin'. I ask that the Development Plan ensures that no development in this wider area can be allowed to impact on the integrity of the Annex 1 habitats including the Alluvial Woodlands within the Rathcoole Woodlands site and the lowland hay meadow within Rathcoole Park.