9.0 | Environment
The Limerick-Shannon MASP seeks to integrate sustainable economic and social development with the protection and enhancement of the natural environment whilst ensuring our transition to a climate resilient society. Placemaking initiatives such as investment in public realm will create a more attractive area to live, visit and invest 42 . Placing significant effort and focus on the environmental pillar is central to delivering the goals of placemaking. High-quality green and blue spaces are important not just for nature but for health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of an increasingly urban society and increasing settlement densities 43 . A greater effort
is needed to plan for blue and green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area, particularly considering climate action strategies and plans. Green and blue infrastructure brings considerable value to the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area. This value needs to be recognised and used to help attract sustainable funding to ensure the benefits continue to be felt. Green and blue infrastructure should be strategically planned to enhance ecosystem services that benefit all and to create a climate resilient and adoptable society. The better integration of biodiversity into economic and development decisions will ensure better projects and will mitigate against unforeseen negative climate change consequences.
Limerick-Shannon MASP Policy Objective 20
Metropolitan Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy a. It is an objective to achieve a healthy, green and connected Metropolitan Area through the preparation of a Metropolitan Open Space, Recreation and Greenbelt Strategy. This will require co-ordination between relevant stakeholders to deliver the sustainable development of parks, recreation and high quality public open space in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area. This Strategy may include, inter alia: • The sustainable development of green infrastructure as an interconnected series of green spaces including (inter alia) Parks, Greenway, Blueways, natural green spaces and ecosystems.
Metropolitan Area as well as the development of neighbourhood parks and open spaces. Identification of measures which improve and strengthen the metropolitan area’s natural environment and habitats for flora and fauna. The development of a Metropolitan Greenbelt Strategy in co-ordination between Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council and relevant stakeholders.
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b. It is an objective to support and encourage sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities represented by the Shannon Estuary, the potential to create new walkways by linking existing areas of open space and woodland and the opportunity to develop Greenways for cycling and walking. In order to support decision-making in increasing recreation and tourism opportunities along the coastline, which is in close proximity to European Sites, the carrying capacity of SACs/SPAs will need to be established to understand what limits should be set for the extent of development.
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The identification of key requirements for recreation, sports and community facilities. Identification of a location for a Regional Scale Park within the Limerick-Shannon
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42. Place-making is instrumental to attracting a high skilled workforce and thus ensuring the Region captures sufficient human capital and talent 43. Ireland’s Environment - An Assessment, EPA (2016)
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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