The Green Infrastructure Strategy is a key nature-based plan that will inform the Council’s County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Green Infrastructure (GI) refers to the diverse interconnected network of natural, semi-natural and artificial habitats, green spaces, and ecology across the County. The vision for green infrastructure is to promote the development of an integrated GI network for South Dublin County working with and enhancing existing biodiversity and natural heritage, improving our resilience to climate change, and enabling the role of GI in delivering sustainable communities to provide environmental, economic, and social benefits. Such supports include the provision of vital services such as carbon sequestration, flood resilience, air and water purification, pollination of crops, trees, flowers etc and health and amenity value.

As an integral component of building well designed and sustainable communities, it is key to the success of the overall concept of connected, compact growth, avoiding the damage created to the environment and climate through urban sprawl and facilitating improved physical and mental wellbeing. In this way GI is a holistic approach to land use planning which balances spatial, social, and economic development in a way that enhances the natural environment.

The GI Strategy is incorporated into Chapter 4 and Appendix 4 of the County Development Plan 2022-2028.