A WEBINAR - Balancing Green and Growth: South Dublin County Councils Green Infrastructure Strategy.
The presentation will assess how the strategy is performing after its first 2 years of operation.
The current housing crisis is perhaps the biggest issue facing our country today and is a top priority for national and local government. Ireland's population is projected to increase from approximately 5 million in 2020 to approximately 6 million in 2050 which will require in the region of 60,000 to 70,000 new homes to be built. At the same time, we are all aware of the Climate emergency and the need to protect and enhance our natural environments. The scale of development required has the potential to be extremely damaging to the environment if not approached in a proper manner.
It is therefore very important for the Planning system to find ways to facilitate the growth and development required while at the same time protecting our natural environments and addressing biodiversity loss.
As part of the County Development Plan 2022 to 2028 South Dublin adopted a Green Infrastructure approach to Planning and Development. The presentation will set out what this means for developments within the county and will assess how the strategy is performing after its first 2 years of operation.
Laurence Colleran is the Senior Executive Parks Superintendent at South Dublin County Council. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the planning and development of parks and public green spaces and works closely with the Planning department on new developments. Laurence has also been actively involved in green infrastructure projects and the development of nature-based SUDS in the county. As well as recognising the benefits of enhancing habitats for biodiversity SDCC strive to unlock the benefits of high value natural environments for the people who live , work and visit the county. SDCC recently won an EU Special Mention Award for Landscape and Play areas in recognition of their Innovative approach to natural and accessible play environments. As a landscape architect, Laurence sees a crucial role for the profession in addressing the major challenges currently facing the country- namely the lack of housing and the growing climate emergency.
