Chapter 18 Green Infrastructure

18.0 Introduction 
 

Green Infrastructure (GI ) can be broadly defined as ‘an interconnected network of green space that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human populations. Green Infrastructure is the ecological framework needed for environmental, social and economic sustainability – in short it is a nation’s natural life sustaining system’¹. Green infrastructure can include varying land uses - pasture lands, croplands, woodlands, heath, bog, scrubland, quarries, parks, formal and informal green spaces, active and passive spaces, areas around domestic and non-domestic buildings, brownfield areas, waterways, waterbodies, waterway corridors,  wetlands, coastal areas, and community/institutional lands such as hospitals, schools, graveyards, allotments and community gardens. Heritage sites, European sites and NHAs are also important GI sites.  

Taken collectively, the GI network in the County has an important role in climate action. Reinforcing our GI assets supports the creation of a more climate resilient environment which in turn contributes significantly to climate adaptation and mitigation. 

Individually, each GI site/asset has an important role and benefit. These individual roles and benefits can be strengthened and enhanced when the sites/assets are linked together into a network of green infrastructure. Many social, economic and environmental benefits can be achieved especially when the green infrastructure is proximate to where people live and work. The benefits of green infrastructure sites/networks include some of the following: 

• support unique habitats for wildlife, biodiversity, and fragile ecosystems;
• have important recreational, tourism and cultural roles;
• provide corridors for walking and cycling;
• provide or support forestry, crop production, agriculture and energy development;
• provide places for local food production - in allotments, gardens and through agriculture;
• provide green buffers /green wedges between built up areas;
• improve air quality;
• provide ready access to nature for the populace;
• assists in climate change adaptation - including flood alleviation;
• increase environmental education and awareness;
• improved health and well-being by raising the quality of the County’s citizen’s living and working environment;
• assists in ‘place-making’, by positively recognising and maintaining the character of particular locations, particularly where new development is planned, and
• enhance biodiversity.

As this chapter of the County Development Plan addresses a range of components that make up ‘Green Infrastructure’, there will be considerable overlap with other chapters and parts of this plan, including but not limited to Chapter 11 ‘Tourism and Recreation’, Chapter 13 ‘Water Services’ and Chapter 17 ‘Natural Heritage & Biodiversity’, as well as some overlap with Chapter 12 ‘Sustainable Transportation’.  

¹. Source Comhar Sustainable Development Council ‘Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland’, August 2010 

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