[ Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028, Section 15(2) Two-Year Progress Report ]
for treatment of invasive species).
improved accessibility to the water and the exploration of co-location and sharing of community, enterprise, recreation and open space infrastructure that helps create a community based maritime hub for the city and wider area.
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Ecology, Biodiversity and Natural Heritage Data
A major project currently being undertaken is the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sponsored city-wide habitat mapping which is currently underway. This project includes priority survey areas and aims to provide a better understanding of biodiversity and local habitats within the city. The Carbon Baseline Project of city parks was initiated in 2022 and continues to analyse carbon storage rates within each of 25 city parks. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan continues to be implemented (see Objective 6.5 below in this report) and a wide range of ecological awareness programmes have been carried out since 2022 by Cork City Council’s two Biodiversity Officers, Green Spaces for Health, Environmental Awareness Officers and Green Schools Coordinator.
• Guide for implementing nature-based solutions in the Southern Region
Following engagement with the Southern Regional Assembly in the preparation and delivery of a ‘toolkit’ for the implementation of GBI interventions in 2022, Cork City Council is currently using a tool as part of its integrated spatial mapping processes to help decision makers and developers to design for and deliver GBI and nature-based solutions in the city. Cork City Open Space and GBI Network Strategy See Objective 6.17 below in this report. Cork City Council will seek to prepare a citywide Open Space and GBI Network Strategy as a framework to define strategy, projects and standards to ensure an excellent network of open spaces to meet the needs of its residents. Scoping work is underway for this project since January 2024 and the study is due to go out to tender in Q3, 2024. The study will provide an evidence base for further refinement of land use zonings, site specific GBI objectives and GBI development standards for the next City Development Plan.
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• Decarbonising Zone (DZ) Pilot Project See Objective 5.8 above in this report.
• Maritime Activities and Recreation Hub A business case funded by Cork City Council is currently being prepared to progress the delivery of a multi-use maritime activities and recreation hub in the Marina along the River Lee. Planning and design shall include stakeholder engagement designed to facilitate safe,
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