B. POLICY CONTEXT
Green Blue Infrastructure Study (2022) Cork’s Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) Study can greatly benefit the Shandon area by: Enhancing Connectivity: Linking Shandon’s parks and green spaces with other parts of the city through green corridors and pathways. Water Management: Improving the management of local watercourses and ponds to prevent flooding and enhance water quality. Biodiversity Boost: Creating habitats for local wildlife by planting native species and developing ecological networks. Recreational Spaces: Expanding and improving recreational areas for residents, making Shandon a more attractive and enjoyable place to live. Arts and Cultural Infrastructure: Needs Assessment Report The report aims to evaluate the current state of arts and cultural infrastructure in Cork City and identify future needs to support the local arts community. Key findings included: Existing facilities need modernization and increased capacity. New spaces needed for visual arts, theatre, and performing arts. Flexible spaces for ‘black box’ theatre and film production facilities recommended. The report also emphasizes collaboration with local artists and organizations and Suggests repurposing vacant commercial spaces for arts use. It supports broader city development plans and historical preservation. Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy The Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy is highly relevant to Shandon, as it aims to enhance the availability of EV charging infrastructure across Cork City, including neighbourhoods like Shandon. Key points of relevance include:
The IUS intends to support a range of city-wide policy initiatives already established to make Shandon a greener, more sustainable, pleasant and resilient neighbourhood. Some of the key policy/guidance are outlined below.
Accessibility: The strategy ensures that publicly accessible EV charging stations are distributed throughout the city, making it convenient for Shandon residents to charge their electric vehicles. Sustainability: By promoting the use of electric vehicles, the strategy supports Shandon’s environmental goals, contributing to reduced emissions and a cleaner local environment. Community Benefits: Improved EV infrastructure can attract more visitors to Shandon, boosting local businesses and fostering a more vibrant community. Tree Strategy Cork’s Tree Strategy can significantly benefit the Shandon area by focusing on: Enhancing Green Spaces: Increasing tree cover in parks and public spaces within Shandon. Biodiversity Support: Planting diverse tree species to create ecological corridors, supporting local wildlife. Climate Resilience: Adding trees to help mitigate urban heat and improve air quality. Community Engagement: Involving local residents in tree planting and maintenance activities. Blue Green Infrastructure (BGI) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Framework The Blue Green Infrastructure (BGI) and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Framework is highly relevant to Shandon for several reasons: Flood Management: BGI helps manage stormwater and reduce flood risks by integrating natural water management systems, which is crucial for Shandon given its urban setting.
Enhanced Green Spaces: Implementing NbS can increase green spaces in Shandon, improving air quality, providing recreational areas, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood. Climate Resilience: These solutions contribute to climate resilience by mitigating the effects of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and heat waves, making Shandon more adaptable to climate change. Biodiversity Support: BGI and NbS promote biodiversity by creating habitats for various species, which can enrich the local ecosystem in Shandon. Community Well-being: Improved green and blue infrastructure can enhance the physical and mental well-being of Shandon residents by providing more opportunities for outdoor activities and social interaction. Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) is particularly relevant to Shandon for several reasons: Enhanced Connectivity: DMURS promotes highly connected streets, making it easier for Shandon residents and visitors to navigate the area on foot or by bicycle. Safety Improvements: The manual emphasizes creating safe and comfortable environments for pedestrians and cyclists, which can reduce traffic accidents and enhance the overall safety of Shandon. Community Vitality: By designing streets that are attractive and lively, DMURS supports the creation of vibrant public spaces in Shandon, encouraging social interaction and community engagement. Traffic Calming: DMURS includes measures to calm traffic, making drivers more aware of their surroundings and reducing vehicle
65
Powered by FlippingBook