CREATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR IRELAND Dr William Hynes Downey Hynes Partnership 15 th September 2010
Overview of Presentation Definition of GI Legislation and Policy Background Examples of GI-type Planning in Ireland Development of a GI Map using GIS Process Overview Case Studies The Process of GI Planning Conclusions
Definition GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE is a strategically planned and managed network featuring areas with high quality biodiversity (uplands, wetlands, peatlands, rivers and coast), farmed and wooded lands and other green spaces that conserves ecosystem values which provide essential services to society.
Legislation and Policy Background Europe Biodiversity and spatial planning legislation and best practice. EU Biodiversity Action Plan (2008) Objective 4 to re-enforce the compatibility of regional and territorial development with biodiversity. Green infrastructure a proactive approach promoted by Biodiversity Unit and network of European Sustainable Development councils. European Landscape Convention (2004). Pan-European Biodiversity and Landscape Diversity Strategy (1995).
Legislation and Policy Background National/Regional/Local Planning system enables GI planning particularly in urban/peri urban areas. NPWS report (2007) concludes poor condition of annexed habitats and species. Voluntary guidelines by development sectors. Incentives for integration. Research highlighted economic value of biodiversity. Regional Planning Guidelines. City/County Development Plans.
Examples of GI-type Planning in Ireland Galway Recreation and Amenity Needs Study (2007-2008) Liberties Local Area Plan 2008 - Biodiversity and Open Space Strategy: Audit South Dublin Green Routes
Development of a Green Infrastructure Map using GIS Process Overview
Baseline GI Map Water Quality and Flood Attenuation GI Map
Recreation and Quality of Life GI Map Biodiversity/Ecological Network GI Map
Multifunctional GI Map
Case Study 1 Urban Area - Dublin 3 Urban Context Local Area. Data Availability Diverse, best for publicly owned spaces. Emerging Discussion Points: Linkages and Access; Function of Open Space; Biodiversity v Recreation/Health; Climate Change; Water Management/Pollution. GI Opportunities: Improvement of streams (in Parks) by creation of wetland areas; Multi-functionality of existing and new green spaces.
Case Study 1 Urban Area - Dublin 3
Case Study 2 Broadmeadow River Peri-Urban Context Fingal/Meath. Data Availability High quality, active LA (Fingal). Emerging Discussion Points: Scalability; Administration/Governance; Classification between Urban and Rural Areas; Land use zoning; Land ownership. GI Opportunities: Improve connectivity between rural and urban through recreation networks; Build on existing biodiversity, river/riparian corridors to improve water quality; Recognise and retain valuable networks in rural landscape (hedgerows, drainage).
Case Study 2 Broadmeadow River
Case Study 3 Offaly/Westmeath Rural Context Midlands Region. Data Availability Limited, fragmented and spatially blank zoning. Emerging Discussion Points: Region Scale; Administration of rural GI; Recognition of area priority required; Land ownership; Brownfield zoning? GI Opportunities: Sustainable energy generation/production; Tourism potential; Ease of involvement of landowners Bord Na Mona/Coillte; Development of GI network.
Case Study 3 Offaly/Westmeath
The Process of GI Planning Method depends on: GI Definition and Goals, Context and Scale, Agency (esp. availability of resources and data), Administrative context, e.g. is it part of or separate from the statutory planning process? Based on experience and guidance from US, EU, UK. Several Main Steps Will overlap in practice, Not necessarily sequential.
The Process of GI Planning 1. GI Management Team: Depends on administrative context, GI vision and objectives. Consider expertise required, and data. 2. GI Vision: Definition. Functions/Services (will determine expertise and data requirements, stakeholders, potential complexity of the exercise, funding sources) Consider synergies (WFD, Flood Risk Management, Landscape Character Assessment, etc.). Components and terminology. Principles. 3. GI Objectives: For each GI function specific, measurable, outcome-based objectives. Required for justification, specification, funding, measurement of success
The Process of GI Planning Stakeholder and Resource-holder Engagement: GI is a land use/resource planning tool. Implications for resource-holders constraints as well as opportunities. Engagement throughout the process including definition, vision, objectives increases chance of successful implementation. Engage both the willing and the sceptical seek common goals and consensus areas. Be prepared to compromise but define minimum requirements.
The Process of GI Planning 4. GI Baseline Assessment: Gather, map and analyse data for each GI function/service. Allow time and resources for this. Limit to only the relevant data, with reference to objectives. Identify data deficiencies. Identify/map existing GI assets, networks for each function/service. What have you got? Map the ideal functional scenario for each function/service (draw the cores, buffers, corridors). What do you want?
The Process of GI Planning 5. Identify GI Gaps/Requirements: Compare baseline with desired scenarios to identify deficiencies in GI. Assess the quantity and quality (of function) of existing assets/networks, with reference to objectives. 5b. Identify Interactions: Seek synergies between functions. Assess conflicts with reference to GI principles and objectives.
The Process of GI Planning 6. GI Strategy: Identify actions. These might include: For each action: Take into account: Capital projects. Resource management plans/measures. Policies e.g. land use zoning, specific objectives. Other (promotional, etc.). Specify, and if possible/relevant estimate the cost. Identify a measurable, desired outcome. Identify timeframe for delivery. Identify responsible parties and stakeholders. Identify funding source/s. Resource constraints. Land/resource ownership. Statutory power/status of GI plan.
The Process of GI Planning 7. Implementation Monitor the outcomes. Feedback to planning and strategy formulation.
Conclusions In summary, any Green Infrastructure approach needs to be conceived, planned and designed. Each of these elements need guidance, planning and implementation at all levels within the Irish planning system.
Conclusions Green Infrastructure Planning Process Summary Flow Chart
CREATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR IRELAND Thank you for your time and attention Dr William Hynes DHP Planning September 2010 Dr William Hynes Downey Hynes Partnership 15 th September 2010