During the summer, in my July ‘Stoneybatter Matters’ newsletter, I shared with you a brief update on plans for the creation of a Stoneybatter Greening Strategy. This follows on from work I’ve been doing for past eighteen months to secure the agreement of the City Council to prepare, develop and implement such an approach in Stoneybatter.
Through my role as your local Councillor and Chairman of the Urban Form & Planning Strategic Policy Committee, I will work to keep you fully updated of developments with regards Greening Stoneybatter, the projects involved and how best you can take part in the initiative.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND TO THIS STRATEGY?
The preparation of a Greening Strategy for Stoneybatter follows on from two previous greening strategies for the city; The Liberties conducted in 2014 and more recently the North East Inner City (NEIC) in 2019. These strategies were developed following a study that looked at population density of the city and the access to parks and green routes. This study highlighted the significant lack of under provision of high-quality green space in these areas compounded by the fact that many households live in apartments and small row houses with little or no private green spaces. These strategies identified several streetscape and open space improvement projects to help build robust greening infrastructure in these neighbourhoods. The benefits of these projects are enormous, supporting these neighbourhoods to become more resilient, healthy and attractive; by mitigating localised flooding, improving air quality, providing a home for wildlife, creating recreational and amenity spaces that encourage active living, community activities and positive civic life.
WHAT DOES DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS STRATEGY?
As Chairman of the Council’s Urban Form & Planning Strategic Policy Committee, I want the Council to develop greening strategies for every neighbourhood. Developing and implementing a coordinated strategy rather than individual one-off projects, I believe, is a better way design and undertake initiatives to enhance our green infrastructure across the city. ‘Greening Stoneybatter’ is line with the City Development Plan, the Biodiversity Action Plan, the Tree Strategy and the recently adopted Dublin Climate Change Action Plan.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED IN THIS STRATEGY?
The overriding objective for the Parks and Landscape Services Section of Dublin City Council is to ensure that this Strategy is developed through a collaborative approach with individual residents, youth and community groups, local residents’ associations. Ultimately, it is those of us living here in Stoneybatter that best know what it is that should form part of our Greening Strategy. An initial consultative event took place last month. I couldn’t attend due to my taking paternity leave, following the birth of my son. I understand that the event was very well attended with many suggestions and ideas already being floated. Posters will be erected locally, and information will be circulated online and social media, so keep an eye on the various Stoneybatter-related pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Design Workshops
• Part 1: October 21st, 6.30 – 8pm.
Meeting Point: School Hall, Stanhope Street Primary new school building, Manor Street entrance.
We will outline the process, the project parameters and what you need to do to submit an idea for greening in your area.
• Part 2: November 9th, 10am–1pm.
Meeting Point: Aughrim Street Scout Group, 42 Ben Edair Road.
Developing ideas for greening
Mapping walks – what is & what could be
• Field Study 1 – Trees: October 26th, 10 – 12 am
Meeting Point: Stoneybatter Defibrillator, Civic Green Space outside Kavanaghs.
Introduction to Tree identification and mapping in your neighbourhood. Join to learn about tree species identification and discuss what tree species could be on your street with DCC tree officer Ludovic Beaumont and Landscape Architects Gareth Toolan & Suzanne O’Connell.
• Field Study 2 – Habitats: November 16th.
To cater for population growth, there has been a dramatic change in our urban landscape that has led to significant habitat loss and species decline.
It would be a brilliant opportunity for you to take part in a habitat mapping walk with Ecologists Mary Tubridy and Betsy Hickey on November 16th to map current habitats and develop ideas for new habitat creation. Habitats could be different types of grasslands, wetlands, shrubberies and woodlands of all sizes.
