I welcome the opportunity to make a submission to the public consultation regarding:

Section 2.7.2 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns / Self-Sustaining Town – Rathcoole

Amendment 2.13

Page 73

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

The largest rewilding area in South Dublin, the majority of which is Woodland, including priority Annex habitat Alluvial Woodland, should be kept intact. This is supported by 2 reports; BSM report, and Hodd report. 

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.