Chapter 6
Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Miscellaneous
(i) Submissions suggest incorporating solar panels as part of new greenway proposals. 03
This submission considers the opportunity to combine renewable energy production from solar panels with GBI infrastructure. Solar energy is discussed more in detail in Chapter 5 of the Draft Plan. While the Draft Plan supports the use of renewable energy, consideration of the use of solar panels in a particular greenway project is an operational matter and beyond the scope of the
Development Plan. Recommendation: No change.
(ii) Submissions regarding the need to incorporate public engagement, community involvement and citizen science in creating plans around GBI and biodiversity.
198, 393, 225
Cork City Council welcomes community involvement and engagement in planning GBI infrastructure and biodiversity measures. Communities represent a vast and valuable resource of local knowledge and constructive feedback. Existing community groups do impressive work in creating and maintaining green spaces. In the GBI study, best practice from other countries refer to the importance of partnerships with local stakeholders and citizens. Cork City Council and Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN) have recently launched a new Community Climate Action Programme in which they invite communities in Cork City to take part in a series of workshops and create their own 2/3 years Climate and Biodiversity Action plans. Cork City Council will continue to engage with the public and communities with respect to GBI and biodiversity. Recommendation: No change. This submission refers to the importance of climate action throughout the Draft Plan. This is reflected in the Core Strategy Chapter 2, with Climate and Environment as a Strategic Objective. Matters relating to staff training and use
(iii) Submission relates to biodiversity protection and seeks to ban the use of herbicides and pesticides. Ensure adequate staff with expertise are employed to systematically integrate biodiversity and climate
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