Chapter 9 Rural Economy
Insert blue text
Background 9.1
Kildare is well positioned…..as a gateway Peatlands and the west from Dublin to contribute more to the tourism sector with the development of Greenways, Blueways, Peatways and the potential of a National Peatlands Park on former industrial cutaways providing an alternative eco-tourism and activity based experience.
|
RD O11 |
Support the implementation of the objectives identified in the County Biodiversity Plan 2009-2014 and any relevant local action plan. |
Amendment : Support the implementation of the objectives identified in the reviewed County Biodiversity Plan and the West Kildare Local Just Transition Plan 2022
Reason :
A new County Kildare Biodiversity Action Plan will be published by 2024
Reason; The County Biodiversity Plan is out of date and a central Kildare resource containing biodiversity aims, objectives and initiatives is essential. This document will illustrate the large reach, responsibility and accountability of the Council and partner organisations for biodiversity, healthy rivers, water quality and the protection of nature. This new enhanced objective to reach 27% of land for nature should provide the cornerstone of the Plan with milestones for the achievement of this target. A published document will help inform the public, ensure implementation and form a tool to keep track of progress.
West Kildare Local Just Transition Plan 2022 is not included.
Bogs and Peatlands 9.8
Insert blue text
Peatlands form a distinctive aspect of Kildare’s landscape……
The cessation of peat extraction by BNM provides tangible opportunities for West Kildare as a gateway county to the Midland Peatlands and the West. The potential of a National Peatlands Park and the development of the Blueway can greatly assist a Just Transition for peatland communities and lead to economic regeneration and a sustainable local economy. The creation of a successful community-led tourism destination supported by Kildare Offaly and Laois County Councils, Failte Ireland and other stakeholders following the Blueway and encompassing peatland areas to the west as part of an inter county National Peatlands Park has the potential to offer the visitor a unique experience to get “lost in wilderness” in a relaxed environment away from urban life. The Council recognises that the development of a range of outdoor activities based around our natural amenities of bogs, canals and rivers and the discovery of the area’s natural and built heritage would significantly support the future growth of tourism in Kildare and the midlands.
RD P1
REASON: More specific with peatlands – “peatlands rehabilitation and sustainable peatland related tourism”
RD 08
REASON: Include more ….continued roll out of the National Broadband Scheme - and initiatives such as the EU Smart Villages Initiative.
|
RD O31 |
Investigate the feasibility of the development of a Peatland National Park in co-operation with Bord Na Mona, NPWS and other relevant stakeholders as per recommendation 9 of the BOGLAND Report from the EPA in 2011 and action A28 of the National Peatland Strategy 2014.
Amendment : Support the development of a National Peatlands Park in co-operation with Bord Na Mona, NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland, local community groups and other relevant stakeholders as per recommendation 9 of the BOGLAND Report from the EPA in 2011 and action A28 of the National Peatland Strategy 2014 and subsequent reports such as the Local Just Transition Plan for West Kildare 2022.
Reason : Collaboration between stakeholders and use of latest reports will lead to best results e.g. monitoring of Slate, Upper Barrow, Figile and Cushaling rivers with Inland Fisheries Ireland following peatland rehabilitation to show expected benefits for river biodiversity, water quality and flood mitigation. |