13 - Landscape, Recreation & Amenity

Chapter 13 - Landscape, Recreation & Amenity

Landscape embraces all that is visible when one looks across an area of land. As well as being an important part of people’s lives, giving individuals a sense of identity and belonging, landscape is the context in which all changes take place. The natural diversity of the landscape, coupled with human interaction in the form of introduced features such as hedgerows, woodlands, archaeological monuments, settlements, and buildings, all serve to give Kildare its distinctive characteristic landscape. All development which takes place has the ability to impact on this landscape, positively and negatively. Any new development or building has the ability to either enhance or detract from the environment. It is essential therefore that the landscape is protected and managed in a sustainable and coherent manner. 
Recreation and amenity areas within the county include natural, recreational, and sporting amenities as well as social and community infrastructure. These facilities provide many cultural, social, economic, and environmental benefits and provide a positive contribution towards quality of life. The provision of a range of amenities which can cater for the demands of an increasing population, and which will be accessible for all sectors and age groups of the population is a central element in the delivery of sustainable communities.

See Chapter 13