Establish a Biodiversity Planning and Development function

Thank you for acknowledging that our natural Biodiversity is the foundation and fabric of our Garden County, and for taking some steps to protect our species and habitats (freshwater, terrestrial and marine). e.g. protecting a natural buffer 25m each side of every river and stream is very welcome; reducing our carbon footprint is very welcome.

Thank you for trying to provide for sustainable housing Planning and Develoment while also limiting the damage to the natural environment and biodiversity.

Please read the 2021 Greystones Biodiversity Report that shows that our approach to date has not worked and (much stronger) emergency mobilization is now required. https://greystonestidytowns.ie/.../2021-greystones.../

Please include and implement all the recommendations of this report in the County Development Plan.

To show our intent to mobilize as an emergency (rather than greenwashing or incremental steps), please insert the following commitment:

"Wicklow Co Co will establish a dedicated Biodiversity Planning and Development function to monitor, plan and develop our biodiversity. Within 90 days, this function will set the first smart targets for short term (1-10 years) and long term (up to 100 years) biodiversity planning and development for County Wicklow. It will set a new Zoning type 'Zoned for Biodiversity Development'".

Please use the attached indicators and targets as the pilot draft for further review and refinement.

I further support the submissions of Wicklow Planning Alliance, Greystones Tidy Towns, Delgany Tidy Towns, Irish Architects Declare and Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly to help guide sustainable planning and development in Co. Wicklow.