Volume 1 Written Statement

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Volume One: Written Statement
Geology
10.70 To date sites of geological interest have not been comprehensively covered by the existing nature
conservation designations. However there are a few areas within the city which are considered to be
areas of geological importance. Cork City Council recognises the need to maintain and preserve
important features of geological interest in the city and will work with The Geological Survey of Ireland,
as appropriate, to conserve the sites identified as being of geological interest.
Objective 10.11 Non Designated Areas of Geological Importance
To seek the conservation of important features of geological interest in the city.
Alien Species
10.71 Invasive non-native plant and animal species (Alien Species) can represent a major threat to local
regional and national biodiversity. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats
and threaten whole ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment and the economy. Cork
City Council is committed to where ever possible, controlling invasive species and will, resources
allowing, monitor public lands such as open spaces, verges and river valleys for such species. However
vigilance is required by all landowners as invasive species can spread quickly across boundaries.
Preventative measures including ensuring that good site hygiene practices are employed for the
movement of materials into, out of and around the site and ensuring that imported soil is free of seeds
and rhizomes of key invasive species (See Chapter 16 Development Management paragraph 125).
Objective 10.12 Alien Species
To implement measures to control and prevent the introduction and establishment of ecologically damaging
alien invasive species (e.g. Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam).
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Biodiversity Plan
10.72 The National Bio-diversity Plan (2011-2016) underlines the principle that environmental concerns
should be integrated into all relevant sectors and that policies and decisions should take consideration
of ecological principles, which recognise the conservation, enhancement and sustainable use of
biological diversity in Ireland and contribute to conservation and sustainable use of bio-diversity
globally.
10.73 Cork City Council prepared a Cork City Biodiversity Plan (2009-2014) the aim of which was to promote
the appreciation and enjoyment of Cork City’s biodiversity amongst the people of the city and to identify,
understand and conserve the biodiversity of the city for future generations. A number of actions from
this plan were carried out and the remaining outstanding actions have been incorporated into the draft
Heritage Plan 2014-2018
Objective 10.13 Biodiversity Plan Actions
To adopt and implement the remaining actions from the Cork City Biodiversity Plan into the Heritage Plan 2014-
2018.
144 Draft Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021