Chapter 6 I Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity
Climate Change and the Environment Green and blue infrastructure is and will continue to represent a key asset in mitigating climate change and impacts on the environment (addressing the causes) and supporting adaptation (addressing the effects and future-proofing the City to better cope with climate change). Tree planting performs a role in carbon sequestration whilst providing opportunities slow storm water flows, absorb water and provide urban shading which can offset solar gain and micro-climate impacts, particularly in urban environments. Wetlands also sequester carbon, store water and slow the flows of storm water, help improve water quality and provide habitat for biodiversity. Agriculture is the primary land-use in the hinterland and through sensitive management grassland has the potential to sequester carbon and facilitate biodiversity through provision of suitable habitats and corridors. Access and Connectivity Increasing active travel corridors across Cork City can reduce car use, ease congestion, improve air quality and help reduce carbon emissions. Green and blue infrastructure plays a crucial role in the provision and use of active travel routes. People, Communities, Health and Well Being Although all green and blue infrastructure is multifunctional, some features are more closely aligned with providing social, community, health and wellbeing benefits including parks, outdoor sports areas and children’s play facilities, allotments, spaces with tree cover and green travel corridors. Cork City has a diverse range of parks, walkways and open spaces with the Council maintaining over 607 ha of such spaces. Community food growing opportunities through allotments, community gardens and urban farms form important green and blue infrastructure assets, primarily because of their influence on health and wellbeing. Economic Value and Land Use Management Some of the economic value of our green and blue infrastructure assets can be quantified, such as Ireland’s natural capital of native woodlands which are worth between €100-140 million per year. However, the more indirect benefits, such as protecting and enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, mitigating climate change, reducing flood risk and improving water and air quality, creating a high-quality sense of place, are more difficult to quantify, but their value to facilitating development in general and making our City a healthier and higher-quality place to live, visit and work is invaluable.
Cork City Green and Blue Infrastructure Implementation 2022-2028
6.8 The Cork City Green and Blue Infrastructure Study 2021 identifies emerging opportunities and interventions that have capacity to deliver a range of GBI outputs within the city. Figure 6.3 illustrates these opportunities and how they can support
the establishment of healthy, resilient, wilder and destination spaces across Cork City. The opportunities identified act as a framework for enhanced delivery of green and blue infrastructure in Cork City.
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Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
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