Chapter 5 Developing a Framework and Vision for Green and Blue Infrastructure in Cork City
Cork City Green and Blue Infrastructure Study May 2021
Figure 2.2: International policy context
Figure 5.1: Development of the GBI themes
5.6 The themes were developed to reflect best practice and local factors, including the Council’s declaration of a Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency in June 2019. The themes are set out below with a brief description of the assets and factors considered as part of each theme. The Water Environment The water environment is an integral component of GBI networks, providing
a fundamental role in managing flooding, improving or maintaining good water quality, improving surface water drainage and enhancing the enjoyment of public open space. Bisecting Cork City, the River Lee reaches the sea at Lough Mahon estuary and plays an important role in the city's wider GBI network. A functional and resilient GBI network, inclusive of all water resources, is required to achieve the multiple benefits associated with slowing the flow of surface water, increasing water storage and encouraging infiltration.
Figure 6.2: Stages in the Cork City GBI Study and International Policy Context.
___________________________________________________ 3 United Nations (2015) Sustainable Development Goals 4 United Nations (1992) International Convention on Biological Diversity LUC I 97
5 United Nations (2015) Paris Climate Change Agreement 6 European Commission (2000) Water Framework Directive 7 European Commission (2009) The Birds Directive 8 European Commission (1992) The Habitats Directive Cork City Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2028
6.6 Compact liveable growth includes the need to reduce human impact on the environment and transition to a low carbon city. The 8 strategic themes set out in Table 6.1 provide a framework for protecting and enhancing green and blue
infrastructure during the plan period and beyond. The framework is supported by objectives set out to protect, enhance and manage green and blue infrastructure in the City in a coherent and integrated manner.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 6
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