Chapter 6
Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Cork City Council Heritage & Biodiversity Plan (2021-2026)
This submission relates to the protection of the Swift bird population in Cork. • Seeks specific policy protections for Swift bird conservation, providing protections outside of the nest months May to August additionally. • Include policy measures for conservation and protection of Swift population.
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The Draft Plan contains actions in relation to protecting designated sites and species and complying with the national and EU legislation protecting these species and sites which include bird nesting species. In addition, many projects from the GBI study and the Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan contains actions on the protection and enhancement and recording of protected and native species. Swift birds ( Apus Apus ) are a non-protected species whose numbers are declining. They were recently listed from Amber to Red in the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 4: 2020 – 2026 report. They are referred to in the Draft Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan (2021-2026). As a non-protected species, this also related to the section on Non-Designated Areas of Natural Heritage Importance in referring to urban areas that can contain biodiversity as well as Objective 6.25. Non-designated Areas of Biodiversity Importance Cork City Council will seek to map the City’s ecological networks and corridors of local biodiversity value outside of designated areas, and to work with local stakeholders in supporting the effective management of features which are important for wild flora and fauna and habitats. Recommendation Include new text in Chapter 11 Placemaking and Managing Development (under heading Development and Landscape, Natural Environment and Biodiversity): All new developments, from pre-planning stage of the planning process, shall make provision for local biodiversity and, where appropriate, provide links to the wider Green Infrastructure network as an essential part of the design process.
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