Biodiversity and natural heritage must be protected while we build homes – Currie

Lands recognised for their outstanding biodiversity and beauty must be protected as housing projects are proposed and built, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Emer Currie said a correct balance must be struck and accommodated in securing areas of natural heritage while building much needed homes, as details of a development for 860 acres situated between Lucan and Castleknock in West Dublin emerged today.

“The Liffey Valley is officially recognised by the Department of the Environment and Climate Action as a Special Amenity Area, an area of exceptional natural heritage and special recreational value, like North Bull Island and Howth Head.

“I have consistently called for the Liffey Valley to be enhanced as a National Park, stretching from Island Bridge to St Catherine’s Park in Lucan and Kildare, taking in the Strawberry Beds, its hidden weirs, Shackleton’s Mill, St Edmondsbury lands and the old Silver Bridge between Farmleigh and Palmerstown built in the 1800’s.

“This could be achieved by Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council working together.

“I fully accept more homes are needed. We urgently need more housing and there are areas in West Dublin that can and should be used, including Kellystown and Barnhill Local Area Plans, Hansfield and Clonburris Strategic Development Zones.

“But there are also lands that need to be protected. An area that is recognised as a Special Amenity Area must remain so.

“Let’s build more homes, but also, let’s protect our heritage and areas of outstanding beauty for future generations,” Senator Currie said.