Chapter 6
Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Open Space Strategy
(i) Submission asks for amendment to the Open Space objective • to specifically refer to children (including infants and young children), young people, their parents and caregivers. • To include safety planning measures to ensure open spaces and recreational facilities can be utilized by all ages, abilities, and interests. • Open space should facilitate free, child led play, connection and interaction with parents and caregivers and the environment around them. (ii) This submission consists of a summary report based on over 2,000 students artwork and comments as part of the Freedom of the City Art Project from 28 Primary Schools, 2 Special Needs Schools and 9 Secondary Schools within Cork City. In relation to open spaces and green spaces, young people highlight the need: • to be able to access nature e.g. the river, green spaces • for more trees and to prevent removal of existing trees,
331
The need for better connected and safe recreational facilities is considered a key goal in Chapter 6, the plan aims to deliver these spaces that are inclusive and provide access for all. The intentions set out in Objective 6.17 is to prepare a citywide Open Space Strategy in accordance with international best practice guidance. This process is inherently based on developing social inclusion and access for all and these issues will form the basis for the Open Space Strategy. Recommendation: No change.
203
The Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan, the Climate Change Adaption Plan and the Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan sets out objectives and practical actions to improve, enhance and restore the biodiversity of the city. These plans have targets and key performance indicators by which the effectiveness of these actions can be measured. The Draft Plan recognises importance of nature, biodiversity and open recreational spaces, and the Council’s commitment to safeguarding Cork’s unique natural landscape and nature assets is supported under Strategic Objective 5 which recognises: ‘ A strong green and blue infrastructure network is essential t o the quality of life of Cork City’s residents and contributes towards the creation of places where people want to live and work. It is an objective of Cork City Council to achieve a healthy, green and connected City with high-quality and interconnected open spaces, parks, diverse natural areas and green and blue corridors.’
• for more plants and flowers
295
Powered by FlippingBook