The Assembly welcome the inclusion of Chapter 11 relating to Biodiversity and Natural Heritage of County Laois. It is considered that the array of topics covered as part of this Draft Plan chapter is reflective and supportive of the content of the RSES and in particular Chapter 7.
The Assembly notes the inclusion of Section 11.2.4 of this chapter of the Draft Plan, which details the biodiversity and natural heritage context of the RSES. The inclusion of reference to RPO 3.4 as part of this paragraph is unclear and should be clarified or amended as appropriate.
The inclusion of Section 11.5 dedicated to Green Infrastructure positively enhances the Plan. This includes policy objectives such as BNH 12 aimed at the development and implementation of a Green Infrastructure Strategy for County Laois, and, BNH 13 which requires all Local Area Plans to protect, enhance, provide and manage Green Infrastructure in an integrated and coherent manner. In finalising this section of the Draft Plan, the Council should consult with Section 7.7 of the RSES which details policy for green infrastructure and guiding principles for the preparation of Green Infrastructure Strategies.
The dedicated section of the Draft Plan which details waterways and wetlands is considered a positive inclusion. A number of policy objectives are reflective of the content of the RSES which includes the promotion and development of the Barrow Blueway, development of the Grand Canal for cycling and walking, and the protection of riparian corridors.
The inclusion of the Peatlands segment at Section 11.8 of the Draft Plan is a positive addition and complements Section 9.4 of the Draft Plan. Notwithstanding the suite of policy objectives already included within the Draft Plan, it is considered that a dedicated policy objective for ‘Just Transition’ be included. As previously indicated at Section 6 of this submission, this would recognise the substantial policy and financial support for Just Transition, both nationally and at EU level, and that it is a significant catalyst for economic and social change in the midlands representing a significant step forward in the transition towards a low carbon economy.