Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
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Green & Blue
Infrastructure Masterplan
Roadmap for Tipperary
Waterways
Prepared on behalf of
Sharing solutions for better regional policies
Prepared by
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Foreword
The green and blue infrastructure approach tional zones with compatible land-uses can
can improve the quality of life in many ways join forces. ‘The Green & Blue Infrastructure
- enhancing societal health and wellbeing; Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Water-
protecting ecosystems and their functioning ways’ provides this opportunity for the green
in relation to, for example, water retention; and blue infrastructure of the Suir River and
supporting the development of a green Lough Derg, within an integrated approach
economy. One of its major advantages is an to planning and links land-use, landscape,
acknowledgment that multiple functions services, ecology, heritage, tourism, etc..
can be provided by the same piece of land or
water. The appropriate planning, design and The provision of green and blue infrastructure
management of green and blue infrastructure ensures a clear focus for strategic initiatives and
assets can deliver a wide range of benefits, local-scale projects to be scaled up to an im-
from providing sustainable transport links, to plementation level where, collectively, they will
mitigating and adapting the effects of climate make a real positive impact. In this way the in-
change. While biodiversity is at the core of frastructure becomes much more than the mere
green and blue infrastructure, it is much more sum of its parts. It is also a means of bringing
than a biodiversity conservation instrument. different sectors collectively in order that they
Restored habitats can reconnect or enhance may decide together on land-use priorities in a
existing natural areas with natural features transparent, integrated and co-operative way.
acting as wildlife corridors or stepping
stones with artificial features that enhance Cllr. Phyll Bugler
ecosystem services, where buffer zones can Cathaoirleach
be managed sustainably and multi-func- Tipperary County Council
The SWARE project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the
Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways Activity on the River Suir, Co. Tipperary
5 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Contents
page
Executive Summary
1. Introduction 1
1.1 SWARE (Sustainable heritage management of WAterway REgions) Project 3
1.2 What is Green and Blue Infrastructure? 5
1.3 Aim of this Project 9
1.4 Methodology and Approach in Developing the Masterplan Roadmap 11
1.5 The Life Supported by Tipperary Green and Blue Infrastructure 13
1.5.1 Parts of the Tipperary Green and Blue Infrastructure Network that are Legally Protected 17
1.5.2 Non-Designated Areas that are Important for the Green and Blue Infrastructure Network 19
1.5.3 The Full Picture - the Potential Basis for a Healthy Green and Blue Infrastructure Network 21
1.5.4 Core Areas and Linking Corridors 23
1.6 Legislative and Policy Context 25
1.6.1 EU and National Policy Context 25
1.6.2 Regional and Local Context 29
2 The Masterplan - Planning for Green and Blue Infrastructure for Tipperary Waterways 33
2.1 Where and how Changes are Likely to be Acceptable 35
2.2 Enhancement of Green and Blue Infrastructure, and Opportunities for Amenity Provision and Visitor Experience 37
2.3 Identification of Opportunities for Enhanced Amenity Provision and Visitor Experience 53
2.4 Priority Action Areas 54
2.5 Flood Management 61
3 Roadmap for Delivery and Implementation 63
3.1 Overview of Delivery and Implementation 63
3.2 Funding for Green and Blue Infrastructure 65
3.3 Integration of the Green and Blue Infrastructure Masterplan into Land Use Planning 67
3.4 Measuring Progress and Benefits 71
4 Summary and Conclusion 73
4.1 Summary 73
4.2 Conclusion 74
Appendix 1 List of Identified Projects 75
Appendix 2 List of Consultees 89
Abbreviations 91
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Executive Summary
EU INTERREG Europe ‘SWARE’ (Sustainable
‘Green and Blue The enhancement and expansion of green and identifies opportunities to enhance the green
blue infrastructure, and the associated networks heritage management of WAterway REgions) and blue networks, while also extending the ben-
Infrastructure’ is a term have broad positive environmental, social and Project, of which Tipperary County Council is efits to a broad range of other areas, including
used to describe natural economic impacts, thus contributing significant- one of six EU partners. The participating SWARE recreation and tourism.
ly to health, wellbeing and quality of life. project waterway regions share a mutual natural
and semi-natural areas and and cultural heritage, with a rich biodiversity, The outcomes from this Masterplan Roadmap
features (land, vegetation This Green and Blue Infrastructure Master- high value built heritage sites, all connected by include:
plan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways has waterways. However, as these environmental,
and waterways), public or cultural and heritage sites come under increasing
been developed to enhance green and blue • Identification and mapping of major eco-sys
private, rural, urban or peri- infrastructure within the county and maximise pressure from tourism and recreation use, it has tems (including associated eco-systems –
urban in nature that deliver the environmental, social and economic benefits become apparent that there is a need for a more woodland and wetland) and identification of
that can be gained from the increased protection sustainable approach in order to protect these current eco-system services;
a broad range of ecosystem and management of the environmental resource. important assets.
• Identification and mapping of existing green
services that underpin a As the two primary waterways in the County, the
and blue infrastructure;
River Suir and Lough Derg, and their tributaries, The SWARE Project recognises that simulta-
healthy environment for are critical components of the ecological biodi- neous support is needed to ensure that the • Planning for green and blue infrastructure; and
all, for example, air quality, versity of the County, and are consequently core appropriate protection is afforded to these • Setting out mechanisms for implementation,
water purification, climate to the green and blue infrastructure network. valuable sites, while also ensuring continued including policy, projects and frameworks.
This Masterplan Roadmap is intended for all socio-economic development to sustain the local
mitigation and space for stakeholders – government, community and communities. The analyses undertaken have identified an
recreation and amenity. voluntary groups, the private sector, research extensive network of green and blue infrastruc-
community and other relevant parties - that The importance of green and blue infrastructure ture throughout the county and in particular
are involved and who facilitate and support the planning is becoming increasingly recognised within the Suir and Shannon catchments. The
protection and enhancement of natural and built globally, due to the many environmental, social networks include high biodiversity areas, which
heritage, health and wellbeing and socio-eco- and economic benefits associated with it. This are designated areas under legal protection
nomic growth. Masterplan Roadmap is an evidence-led vision, (SPA, SAC, NHA and pNHA); areas that are not
that identifies the existing environmental, designated conservation sites but which possess
The Green and Blue Infrastructure Masterplan recreation, amenity and heritage assets in and high ecological value (woodlands, wetlands,
Roadmap has been commissioned as part of the surrounding the River Suir and Lough Derg, and bogs, watercourses) and all other features that
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
make-up green and blue infrastructure, such as The green and blue infrastructure functions have for informing future policy, statutory plans and
farmlands, hedgerows, watercourses, parklands, been evaluated, areas that have the potential to land use planning, driven principally through the
cemeteries, ditches, and even individual tree address the greatest needs have been identified County Development Plan.
stands. and indicative actions set out. In total, 86 indic-
ative actions have been developed to increase
Further analysis and assessment concentrated the benefits that County Tipperary gains from
on the identification of the existing recreation, its green and blue infrastructure, while others
amenity and heritage assets within close proxim- support delivery of enhanced green and blue
ity to the River Suir and Lough Derg. The assess- infrastructure through proposed policy and
ment identified a broad range of assets, many framework establishment or review. The actions
of which were within or in close proximity of the cover a wide range of ecological, heritage, rec-
main settlements located along the river, and the reation, amenity and tourism areas to maximise
lakeshore. However, a substantial number of as- the promotion and development of green and
sets, in particular heritage assets, were identified blue infrastructure, including protection, conser-
in the more rural areas. The mapping of the ex- vation, awareness, education and accessibility.
isting assets facilitated the identification of new Core to the successful implementation and
opportunities for the enhancement of green and delivery of the actions, is the identification and
blue infrastructure, while also creating new op- assignment of a responsible body to drive and
portunities to sustainably enhance the provision oversee its implementation, and monitor the
of recreation, amenity and heritage-led devel- progress and subsequent benefits. In consul-
opment. Through combined baseline research, tation with Tipperary County Council, wider
analysis and extensive consultation, critical gaps State and semi-State bodies, community groups
or vulnerabilities that have the potential to affect and individuals, each action has been assigned
County Tipperary’s green and blue infrastruc- to a body responsible. The implementation of
ture in the short, medium and long-term, have these actions is envisaged to add to the county’s
also been identified. These include biosecurity, response to EU and national legislative and stat-
soil erosion, the loss of vital vegetation such as utory requirements. It is important to remember
hedgerows, low level of green and blue networks that this Masterplan Roadmap is not a stand-
in urban areas, and the identification of pressure alone document, but will contribute positively
on water quality and biodiversity. to the development of a robust evidence base
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 1
1. Introduction
County Tipperary possesses a The River Suir, Lough Derg and their tributaries
are vital for the ecological biodiversity of County
great wealth of natural landscapes Tipperary and form key components of the
and resources which contribute County’s green and blue infrastructure network.
significantly to the public’s The Tipperary Green and Blue infrastructure Mas-
recreational and amenity needs. terplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways sets out
a comprehensive vision for the enhancement
They also provide considerable
of green and blue infrastructure (G&BI) along
social and economic benefits. the River Suir and Lough Derg. The Masterplan
sets out the character of the existing network
of green and blue infrastructure within the Suir
and Shannon catchments (within the confines of
the County Tipperary administrative boundary)
and provides a coherent and coordinated ap-
proach to support, protect and promote habitats
and biodiversity in light of increasing demand
in land uses, including recreation, tourism and
socio-economic growth. A principal objective
of the Masterplan Roadmap is to highlight
Lough Derg
measures in which green and blue infrastructure
can support and enhance economic, social,
cultural and environmental activities and their
interactions. This Masterplan Roadmap has
Suir
been commissioned as part of the EU INTER-
River
REG Europe ‘SWARE’ (Sustainable heritage
management of WAterway REgions) project.
2 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
‘The focus of tourism policy
must be to maximise the export
contribution of tourism, while
protecting the invaluable assets
that are our naturual, built and
cultural heritage’
people, place and policy, growing tourism
to 2025, d e pa r t m e n t o f t r a n s p o r t , t o u r i s m
and sport
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 3
1.1 SWARE Project
SWARE (Sustainable value built heritage sites which are connected
to the waterways. These areas are becoming
heritage management of increasingly popular with visitors. While the
WAterway REgions) ‘SWARE’ partners recognise the importance of
socio-economic development for their regions,
they are also aware that a balanced sustainable
approach is required in order to protect and pre-
serve the natural and cultural assets for future
generations, while simultaneously supporting
socio-economic development to sustain the
local communities.
Tipperary County Council is one of six EU
partners in the EU INTERREG Europe ‘SWARE’ The ‘SWARE’ project seeks to address a chal-
(Sustainable Heritage Management of WA- lenge faced by the participating partners and
terway REgions) project. The ‘SWARE’ project many other areas throughout the EU - the har-
commenced on 1st April 2016 and will continue nessing of natural assets for the development of
until the 30th September 2020. It is part funded the local economy, while simultaneously trying
under the terms of the EU INTERREG European to preserve, protect and enhance the natural
Regional Development Fund. The six organisa- environment. The ‘SWARE’ project aims to
tions involved in the SWARE project from across address this challenge through the promotion
the EU are: Tipperary County Council (Ireland), of improved natural and built heritage protec-
Metropolitan City of Milan (Italy), Vidzeme Plan- tion and sustainability, by means of integrated
ning Region (Latvia), Pons Danubii European regional and local development programmes,
Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (Slovakia), policies and strategies.
Association Regio Water (The Netherlands) and
Province of Zuid-Holland (The Netherlands). The green and blue infrastructure approach in-
The waterway regions participating in the cludes the planning, design and management
SWARE project share a common natural and of green spaces and blue ecosystems to provide
Built heritage along the River Suir, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary cultural heritage, defined by protected areas societal benefit for both urban and rural areas.
with a rich biodiversity, together with high SWARE is striving to achieve enhanced protec-4 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Government Reform Act 2014, the former North locations are appropriately addressed to ensure
‘As an overall result, decision-
and South Tipperary County Councils were the natural and cultural assets are preserved
makers, public and private amalgamated to form a unified Tipperary Coun- and enhanced, while supporting increased
players, as well as inhabitants ty Council. However, until a revised all-coun- yet sustainable economic development of the
ty Development Plan is formulated, there are region.
will gain a better knowledge currently two County Development Plans in
and commitment towards effect in County Tipperary: The South Tipperary This project will provide a robust underpinning
County Development Plan 2009 (as varied) and for the expansion of green and blue infrastruc-
protecting and sustainably The North Tipperary County Development Plan ture in County Tippearry and in particular, with-
‘using’ their environmental 2010 (as varied). in the county's principal waterways: the River
and cultural assets’ Suir and Lough Derg.
The County Development Plans set out the
SWARE PRO J ECT statutory framework for the future planning and The SWARE project is divided into
development of the county, in accordance with two phases.
tion of natural and cultural heritage, together Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act
with a more sustainable level of economic devel- 2000, as amended, and address relevant issues Phase 1 (ending September 2018) will be accomplished
opment through the establishment of participa- such as water quality, river basin management through exchange of experiences and practices;
tory governance schemes and improved efficient planning, tourism and infrastructure. A new Phase 1 stakeholder & institutional learning; benchmarking
and effective policy developments that will County Development Plan for Tipperary will (ending September 2018) and analysis of challenges and needs; which will
culminate with the development of an Action Plan in
support the sustainable use of environmental be produced over the coming years after the
each participating region.
and cultural resources. publication of a Spatial and Economic Plan for
the Southern Region and will have regard to
Tipperary County Development Plans detail relevant non-statutory studies and master plans
the overall strategy for the proper planning and such as this Green and Blue Infrastructure Mas- Phase 2 (to March 2021), the remainder of the project,
sustainable development of County Tipperary. terplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways. will revolve around implementation of the Action Plan.
Phase 2 This Masterplan Roadmap will form an important
They provide policy guidance on the protection, (to March 2021)
element of this process.
conservation and enhancement of the natural The River Suir and Lough Derg are becoming in-
environment, cultural heritage and amenity creasingly popular locations for tourism and the
assets of the County. Arising from the local new all-County Development Plan must ensure
government reform structure under the Local that the challenges of increased visits to theseGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 5
1.2 What is Green and Blue
Infrastructure?
Green and blue infrastructure is a strategically ‘Tipperary’s environment
planned network of natural and semi-nat-
ural areas with other environmental features provides clean air and water,
designed and managed to deliver a wide food, fuel, carbon storage, flood
range of ecosystem services such as water
purification, air quality, space for recreation
control, and pollition filtering. It
and climate mitigation and adaptation. This provides a sense of place, offers
network of green (land) and blue (water) spaces recreation and relexation, and is
can improve environmental conditions and
therefore citizens' health and quality of life. crucial to the county’s tourism.’
It also supports a green economy, creates job
t i p p e r a r y c o r p o r at e p l a n 2 0 1 5 - 2 01 9
opportunities and enhances biodiversity. The
Natura 2000 network constitutes the backbone
of the EU green infrastructure. Green and blue
infrastructure planning is a successfully tested urban areas, connected green spaces, green
tool to provide environmental, economic and roofs, pollinator friendly planting and permeable
social benefits through natural solutions and and pervious paving and even brownfield or
help reduce dependence on 'grey' infrastruc- derelict sites all contribute to enhanced green
ture that is often more expensive to build and infrastructure connectivity. Blue infrastructure
maintain. Green and blue infrastructure can
consist of ecological or wildlife corridors, for
example, river edges, hedgerows, woodlands,
streams, as well as urban parks, street trees
and private gardens. Agricultural land that is
strategically managed to offer multifunctional
benefits such as sustainable food production,
water attenuation, the incorporation of riparian
zones along rivers is an important element of
Boating on Lough Derg the green infrastructure network, as are re-
stored quarries and landfill sites, while in more6 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Green and Blue
Infrastructure Assets
Local, neighbourdhood and village scale Town and district scale County, regional and national scale
Town, city and district scale
City-region, regional and national scale
refers more specifically to water including rivers,
Street trees, verges and hedges Business settings Regional Parks
lakes, reservoirs, ponds and pond systems and
smaller water courses. Together they form the Green roofs and walls Town/district parks
green-blue infrastructure network of biodiversi- Rivers, canals and floodplains
ty that connects all parts of County Tipperary. Pocket parks
Urban canals
Shoreline
Private gardens
While some components of green and blue Urban commons
infrastructure are already recognised in policy Urban plazas Strategic and long distance trails
and legislation, many important components go Forest parks
unrecognised, particularly in urban areas, where Town and village greens and commons
Forests, woodlands and community forests
public spaces, private gardens, cemeteries, Country parks
Local rights of way
urban streams and derelict land are often under-
Continuous waterfront Reservoirs
valued for the ecosystem services they provide. Cemeteries, burial grounds and churchyards
Institutional open spaces Municipal plazas Road and railway networks
The green infrastructure approach looks at the
entire system of connections and interactions Ponds and streams Lakes Designated greenbelt
that comprise a healthy ecosystem rather than
focusing exclusively on specific and dispersed Small woodlands Major recreational spaces
environmentally sensitive areas. By understand- Agricultural land
Play areas
ing how the current ecosystems and ecosystem Rivers and floodplains
services work as a whole, this project will assess Local nature reserves National Parks
the potential for strengthening and protecting Brownfield land
core areas, joining the dots to make linear corri- School grounds
Community woodlands National, regional or local landscape
dors, landscape corridors and ‘stepping stones’,
Sports pitches designations
identification of buffer zones that can protect
more sensitive areas, introduction of artificial (Former) mineral extraction sites
Swales, ditches
features where necessary and clear identifica- Common lands
Allotments Agricultural land
tion of multi-functional zones where a specified
range of activities would be appropriate. Landfill Open countryside
Vacant and derelict land
Source: Landscape InstituteGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 7
How green and blue infrastructure works For local communities, green and blue infra-
structure provides opportunities for outdoor
The multifunctional advantages of green and activity and improves water and air quality,
blue infrastructure can significantly enhance promoting physical and mental health and
policy implementation at international level well-being, as well as providing alternative
right down to local level through nature based and more sustainable options of travel and
solutions, supporting the development of more commuting. For rural communities, green and
sustainable communities, both socially and blue infrastructure also provides opportunities
economically. The EU Strategy is closely inter- to develop new enterprise, tourism and em-
linked with the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy ployment opportunities. As outlined in the EPA
which requires that by 2020, ‘ecosystems and Health Benefits from Biodiversity and Green
their services are maintained and enhanced by Infrastructure (2014-HW-DS-1) Synthesis Report
establishing green infrastructure and restoring ‘recent studies suggest that people accrue great-
at least 15% of degraded ecosystems’. Des- er benefits to their health and wellbeing from
ignated protected sites, under Natura 2000 areas that are more diverse and perceived to be
such as the Lower River Suir Special Area of more natural, regardless of the setting (urban,
Conservation (SAC) and Lough Derg (Shannon) peri-urban, rural).
Special Protection Areas (SPA) are core strategic
components of green infrastructure and in
preserving high value natural environments and
biodiversity, however, it is also important that
green infrastructure goes far beyond protected
sites and become an integral part of commu-
nities, rural, peri-urban or urban, in order to
extend ecosystem services beyond the tradition- PRO
NG
al natural environment.
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Clean Water
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Collaboration between key regional and local
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stakeholders is central to the protection and yn
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ti
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es
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promotion of natural assets and the economic Biod is Wo
iver ation
development of the county. Through the pro- sity Pollin
vision of this Masterplan Roadmap, Tipperary Habitat Cool Temperatures
County Council seeks to provide multiple stake- hip Con
ards trol
holders with guidance over the course of the Stew et
ic Pu
rif
Floo
ding
sth yW
Sto
tion
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on
Clean Air
lifetime of the Masterplan and beyond. A at
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Urban river walk, New Quay, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Source: metrovancouver.org8 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
For visitors, walking, cycling and water-based activities
are becoming increasingly popular amongst holiday-mak-
ers and is thus becoming an important tourism product,
increasing dwell time, extending the tourism season and
increasing regional and rural spending. Green and blue
infrastructure is a critical component of Ireland’s tourism.
Based on Failte Ireland’s Tourism Facts (2016) expenditure
by tourists visiting Ireland was estimated to be worth €6
billion in 2015. When combined with money spent by Irish
residents taking trips here, total tourism expenditure in 2015
was estimated to be €7.7 billion. For 92% of overseas holi-
day makers, ‘beautiful scenery’ was considered important
and the "natural unspoilt environment" was considered
important for 86%. An estimate of all jobs in the tourism
and hospitality industry based on past Fáilte Ireland surveys
of businesses (full-time, part-time, seasonal/casual and
not confined to ‘main’ job) indicates total employment in
the sector at approximately 220,000. For every 1,000 addi-
tional tourists 14 jobs are created in the tourism industry.
River Suir, Co. TipperaryGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 9
1.3 Aim of this Project
Recognising the role of the River Suir and This project included a series of steps;
Lough Derg as part of the County’s natural and
cultural heritage, and the increasing interest in • Identification and mapping of major
water-based recreation and holidaying activi- eco-systems (including associated
ties, Tipperary County Council is strategically eco-systems – woodland and wetland)
planning for the County’s future development, and identification of current eco-system
ensuring the distinctive natural character of the services;
county is preserved and enhanced in coopera- • Identification and mapping of existing
tion with local communities. green and blue infrastructure;
• Planning for green and blue infrastructure;
This Masterplan Roadmap is a high level • Setting out mechanisms for
assessment and aims to create a vision that will implementation, including policy, projects,
help to protect, promote and enhance the green programmes and frameworks.
and blue infrastructure assets in the County.
The scope of the Masterplan Roadmap extends The careful planning of water and shoreline
only to the parts of River Suir and Lough Derg activities is critical for the long-term viability of
waterways within the administrative area of healthy habitats, tourism and human health.
Tipperary County Council and focusses primarily Of particular relevance are the recent advanc-
on the River Suir (main channel) and Lough Derg es in the distribution of invasive species and
specifically, while acknowledging the impor- aquatic diseases and potential relationships
tance of their tributaries and wider catchments. with increased activity in the rural/water based
These catchments feed into and are intrinsically tourism sectors.
connected to the main study areas, to form larg-
er natural and cultural heritage corridors that in-
corporate much of the County of Tipperary. It is
critical that a masterplan for the River Suir (main
channel) and Lough Derg acknowledges these
linkages, as impacts within the main study areas
Activity on the River Suir, Co. Tipperary can impact the natural and cultural heritage in
the upper catchments and vice versa.10 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways The Masterplan Roadmap sets out a range of projects to assist in the sustainable development of the River Suir and Lough Derg, by paying particular attention to as- sessing the current extent and nature of green and blue infrastructure, identifying and minimising critical gaps or vulnerabilities that may affect Tipperary’s green and blue infrastructure in the short, medium and long-term. The Masterplan Roadmap sets out ways that policy and programming can promote ef- fective management of green and blue infrastructure.
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 11
1.4 Methodology and Approach
to Developing the Masterplan
Roadmap
Study area
Following an initial assessment of the data carried out to identify where the gaps are, how
available, and in order to maintain a focus on economic and social benefit can be realised,
the river and lake, a study area of 2km from the detailing appropriate projects and policy modifi-
water's edge was established. Sites beyond the cations and ensuring appropriate recommended
2km limit were also included on a case by case projects and policy modifications are matched to
basis where there was potential for linking to suitable locations. This was further developed
the waterways. Given the highly networked as- through strategic and systematic assessment to
pect of ecosystem functioning, high biodiversity evaluate potential linkages and new opportuni-
areas and the watercourse network within the ties. This indicative list is provided in Appendix 1.
full county were included in the mapping. The
Suir and Shannon are core areas of the green This Masterplan Roadmap is intended for all
and blue infrastructure of Tipperary, while the stakeholders – government, community and
smaller rivers and streams that feed these wa- voluntary groups, the private sector, research
terways, as well as the adjacent woodland and community and other relevant parties that are
hedgerows are crucial green and blue infrastruc- involved and who facilitate and support the pro-
ture corridors. tection and enhancement of natural and built
heritage, health and wellbeing and socio-eco-
The initial stages of the Masterplan Roadmap nomic growth. Broad stakeholder consultation
formulation established the background data was also undertaken from an early stage to
and policy context. GIS data were overlaid to create consensus on project outputs and ensur-
develop a detailed understanding of the current ing that those tasked with implementing the
functioning of Tipperary's green and blue actions had an opportunity to shape their future
infrastructure, areas of particular sensitivity work. Figure 1.1 and 1.2 set out the Masterplan
and areas where change might be appropriate. Roadmap stages and Approach.
This was to allow for the clear identification of
how the green and blue infrastructure systems
River walk along the River Suir, Co. Tipperary are working at present. Additional work was12 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Figure 1.2
Masterplan Roadmap Overall Approach
y
epor
t teg
lR tra
S
ca
ni
Tech
OPPORTUNITIES TO
CONTEXT ENHANCE FUNCTIONING
AND ANALYSIS CONSULTATION OF GREEN AND BLUE
INFRASTRUCTURE
The following is the overall approach to the
development of the Masterplan Roadmap.
• Background data and policy context; • Stakeholder engagement and public
• Identification and mapping of eco-systems; consultation in Nenagh and Cahir
HEADLINE
• Identification of current eco-system services; (3-4th May 2017); POLICY, PROJECTS
LOCAL
OPPORTUNITIES
• Identification and mapping of existing green • Development of actions based on AND PROGRAMMES
and blue infrastructure; information collated during earlier stages.
• Assessment of current ecosystems and their These actions will act as a portfolio of ideas
services and description of the potential for for projects/actions.
green and blue infrastructure, such as
identification of core areas, landscape
corridors, buffer zones, linear zones, lan
nP
tio
artificial features and multi-functional zones; ta
en
m
ple
Im
FUNDING AND
DELIVERY
MECHANISMS
Figure 1.1
Masterplan Roadmap Development Process Stages
ACTION PLAN
RECOMME-
BASELINE DATA POLICY CONTEXT STRATEGIC
NDATIONS AND
ASSESSMENT
ACTIONSGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 13
1.5 The Life Supported by Tipperary
Green and Blue Infrastructure
The lengthy inhabitation biodiversity corridors for aquatic and terrestrial
species and habitats in Tipperary. They also, in
of County Tipperary is many places, provide recreational opportunities
testament to the varied and to local communities, access to their shared
rich environment which heritage, areas of water retention, opportunities
for improving societal health and well-being and
has supported populations economic opportunities in the form of tourism.
along its watercourses,
The River Suir
valleys and lakeshores
for thousands of years. The River Suir is 184 km in length, and rises
north of Templemore in the Devil's Bit Mountain
and the Suir Catchment comprises an area of
As well as its two principal waterways; the approximately 3,546 km2. It flows in a southerly
River Suir and Lough Derg, County Tipperary direction through Thurles, Holycross, Cahir,
contains several mountain ranges including the Clonmel and Carrick on Suir, continuing through
Galtee Mountains, Slievenamon, Silvermine Waterford and entering the Irish Sea at Wa-
Mountains, Knockmealdown Mountains, terford Harbour. Along its route, the course of
Comeragh Mountains and the Arra Mountains, the River Suir changes several times, changing
while the ‘Golden Vale’ encompasses rich course at the Knockmealdown Mountains and
pastureland and extensive peatland. again at Knocklofty. The River Suir acts as a very
important ecological artery through the County.
The majority of the lands of this fertile coun- The lower two-thirds of the River Suir and many
ty have been cleared over the centuries for of its tributaries are internationally protected
agriculture. The management of farms is as a SAC. The Suir catchment is important
subsequently a significant contributor to the for protected species such as salmon, otter,
health of Tipperary’s green and blue infrastruc- lampreys (sea, brook and river), freshwater pearl
ture. Waterbodies and narrow riparian strips, mussel, white-clawed crayfish and twaite shad,
in addition to areas of wetland and hedgerows, as well as important habitats including; Alluvial
Ardfinnan Castle, Co. Tipperary
form the final vestiges and the most important forests, Yew Woods, Floating River Vegetation14 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways (Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batra- chion), Old Oak Woods and Hydrophilous Tall Herbs, in addition to Atlantic and Mediterra- nean Salt Meadows at the seaward element of the Suir. The Aherlow River, a tributary of the River Suir, is a designated Salmonid Water under the EU Freshwater Fish Directive. Even though there are no SPAs for birds in the vicinity of the River Suir, as outlined by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) SAC Site Synopsis, parts of the Lower Suir SAC have also been identified as of ornithological importance for a number of Annex I (E.U. Birds Directive) bird species. These include Greenland White-fronted Goose, Golden Plover, Whooper Swan and Kingfisher. Wintering populations of migratory birds use the SAC. Flocks are seen in Coolfinn Marsh and also along the reedbeds and saltmarsh areas of the Suir. Coolfinn supports nationally important numbers of Greylag Goose on a regular basis. Other species occurring include Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Pochard, Little Grebe, Black-tailed God- wit, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper. In the Cabragh marshes there is abundant food for surface feeding wildfowl which total approximately 1,000 in winter. Widgeon, Teal and Mallard are numerous, and the latter has
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 15
a large breeding population, with up to 400 encouraged. It is essential therefore to ensure, The River Suir is a living
in summer. In addition, less frequent species that riparian vegetation and buffer zones are
like Shoveler and Pintail occur and there are encouraged and its tributaries remain navigable biodiversity corridor,
records for both Whooper and Bewick's swans. and of suitable water quality for species that along its entire length,
Kingfisher, a species that is listed on Annex I are of conservation interest, and in particu- that currently contains,
of the E.U. Birds Directive, occurs along some lar the conservation interests (habitats and
of the many tributaries throughout the site. species) of the Lower Suir SAC. Of particular or, importantly has the
Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) in addition to note is the importance of the smaller water- potential to contain
proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) are courses and drainage ditches to the overall species of conservation
areas of national conservation importance and biodiversity network of County Tipperary. As
they also occur in the vicinity of and sometimes this catchment is one large biodiversity corridor importance, if sustainably
overlap with the internationally important SAC water quality and green and blue infrastucture developed as green and
designation e.g. Cabragh Wetlands pNHA. in these areas directly impact the conserva- blue infrastructure and
tion species throughout the catchment.
However, it should be noted that species and suitable biodiversity related
habitats of national and international impor- projects are encouraged.
tance are also found outside the SAC and other
areas of conservation. This would include flora,
fish, mammal and bird species that are afforded
protection under national and international
legislation. A series of heritage audits were
funded by Tipperary County Council and the
Heritage Council on the Suir from 2009 to 2016.
These included areas outside of designated
conservation areas and up to the source of the
River Suir. Species and habitats of conservation
importance were noted including lampreys
(river and brook), salmon, otter, and white-
clawed crayfish, European eel, floating river
vegetation, alluvial wet woodlands, alkaline
fen in addition to a range of Red and Amber
Listed resident and over wintering birds.
Therefore, it is important to remember that
the River Suir is a living biodiversity corridor,
along its entire length, that currently contains,
or, importantly has the potential to contain
species of conservation importance, if sustain-
ably developed as green and blue infrastructure River Suir, Co. Tipperary Lough Derg, Co. Tipperary
and suitable biodiversity related projects are16 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Lough Derg rape (Orobanche hederae). The Red Data Book whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), wigeon (Anas
stonewort Chara tomentosa has its stronghold in Penelope), teal (Anas crecca), mallard (Anas platy-
rhynchos), little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis),
Lough Derg is a freshwater Lough Derg. The Lower River Shannon SAC is a
coot (Fulica atra), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and
very large conservation area that extends from
lake bordering counties lower Lough Derg (south of Killaloe) right out to curlew (Numenius arquata). Hen harrier (Circus
Tipperary, Clare and Galway, the mouth of the Shannon. As a result this SAC cyaneus) are also known to roost in the reedbeds
on the margins of the site during the winter.
covering an area of 130 km2. has conservation interests including species
and habitats that may not occur in Lough
Stretching ca. 40km in length, Derg including marine and estuarine species.
Lough Derg is the largest However, of particular relevance to Lough Derg
lake on the River Shannon are fish species such as lampreys and Atlantic
salmon, which are listed under Annex II of the
and the third largest lake E.U. Habitats Directive. They are known to
on the island of Ireland. occur in the lake, along with pollan (Coregonus
autumnalis pollan) which is one of only three
sites in Ireland and in western Europe where it is
The Tipperary element of Lough Derg possesses found. Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), a threat-
both internationally important SAC and ened Red Data Book species, was recorded from
SPA designations in addition to a proposed the lake as recently as 1990/91. European eel
Natural Heritage Area (pNHA) of National (Anguilla anguilla) is also found in the lake. The
importance. Lough Derg is a very popular area invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
for recreation, with cruisers, sailing, fishing and Nuttall’s pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) are
canoeing, kayaking and other water-based also found and causing problems in Lough Derg.
activities becoming increasingly popular. Cycling Lough Derg is also of importance for both
and walking around the lake periphery are breeding and wintering birds. It is a Special
also becoming more popular, with a series of Protection Area (SPA) for birds under the E.U.
plans formulated in recent years to enhance Birds Directive, for cormorant (Phalacrocorax
recreation and tourism, in addition to heritage. carbo), tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), goldeneye
Two SACs are located in the Tipperary portion (Bucephala clangula) and common tern (Sterna
of Lough Derg. Lough Derg, North-East Shore hirundo), with particular attention to wetlands,
SAC possess habitats of international impor- that form part of this site. It supports a na-
tance including; calcareous and alkaline fens, tionally important breeding colony of common
limestone pavements, alluvial forests, yew tern, large numbers of black-headed gull and
woodlands and Juniper scrub. Oak (Quercus the islands in the lake also support a nationally
spp.) woodlands are also a notable feature of important cormorant colony. In winter, the lake
the site. The only known site in the country for is important for a range of waterfowl species,
the Red Data Book plant Irish fleabane (Inula including nationally important populations
salicina) occurs along the lake shore. Other Red of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) and goldeneye
Data Book species present within this site are (Bucephala clangula). Other species which occur
marsh pea (Lathyrus palustris) and ivy broom- in winter include mute swan (Cygnus olor),Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 17 1.5.1 Parts of the Tipperary Green and Blue Infrastructure Network that are Legally Protected Figure 1.3 shows the areas within County Tipperary that are designated under Natura 2000 (Habitats Directive (SAC), Birds Directive (SPA)), Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) and (pNHA). As demonstrated in Figure 1.1, a considerable portion of County Tipperary is designated as being of biodiversity value of national and/or international importance. Lough Derg has both SAC and SPA designations - and the lower two thirds of the River Suir (Lower River Suir) is designated as a SAC. These designated areas serve as the core areas, or hubs, in green and blue infrastructure terms, owing to their rich ecological value. The datasets used in identifying these areas are primarily (NPWS) datasets. While the mapping visually presented in this report is at a high level, detailed GIS digital maps have been produced to inform decision and policy making.
Figure 1.3
Green and blue infrastructure
in Tipperary - nationally and
internationally designated for
ecological significance
Lough Derg
Nenagh
Suir
Thurles
legend
Designated - Conservation Areas
(SAC, SPA, NHA, pNHA)
River Catchment Boundary
County BoundaryGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 19 1.5.2 Non-Designated Areas that are Important for the Green and Blue Infrastructure Network These are core areas within the county that do not have legal protection but are of high ecological value. As demonstrated in Figure 1.4, there are broad areas within the county that have high ecological value and these serve as important green and blue infrastructure components. The datasets used in identifying these areas include Fossitt habitats of conservation interest from Tipperary Heritage Audits, NPWS habitats of conservation interest and CORINE selected habitats (grasslands, moors and heaths, peatlands and natural and broadleaf forest). These include EcoNet Class 1 & 2 habitats (Ó Riain, 2000) from CORINE, defined on the basis of 'naturalness'.
Figure 1.4
Green and blue infrastructure in
Tipperary which is not designated
but which contains protected
species or habitats
legend
Areas of Ecological Importance
River Catchment Boundary
County Boundary
It should be noted that this is a high level assessment and
does not intend to be a full assessment of protected species
within County Tipperary.Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 21 1.5.3 The Full Picture - The Potential Basis for a Healthy Green and Blue Infrastructure Network Figure 1.5 shows the entirety of the green and blue infrastructure within County Tipperary (hedgerows, farmland, public open spaces / parks, gardens, sports grounds, cemeteries, network of watercourses etc.). The EPA water features data (streams and rivers extent) highlights the extent of the blue corridors and the importance of tributaries within the Shannon and Suir catchments. It should be noted that these areas potentially contain species and habitats of national and/or international importance and the placing of areas in this category may be due to a lack of sufficient surveys or information. This green infrastructure network also includes natural features within urban areas that can act as wildlife corridors, potential recreation and amenity sites and routes as well as agricultural lands that support sustainable food and other resource production, water attenuation, soil formation, etc.
Figure 1.5
Green and blue infrastructure
in Tipperary — The Full Picture
— farmland, streams, hedges,
lakes, playing fields, golf courses,
cemeteries, woods and forests,
private gardens, school grounds,
urban green spaces, institutional
lands, street trees, parks, derelict
lands, former quarries, greenways...
legend
County Boundary
Blue Infrastructure
River Suir catchment network of
streams and rivers of category 1-7
Shannon catchment network of
streams and rivers of category 4-7
River Suir
Lough Derg
River Catchment Boundary
Green Infrastructure
All of Co. Tipperary's Green
InfrastructureGreen & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 23
1.5.4 Core Areas and Linking Corridors
In this Masterplan Roadmap, the areas rich in Based on the analysis of the county's green Figure 1.6
biodiversity, such as Lough Derg and the River and blue infrastructure potential, a series of
Suir, are considered the ‘core areas’ (or hubs). core areas have been identified, protected by An overview of the green
These are generally Natura 2000 designated buffer zones, and linked by existing or potential and blue infrastructure
sites, Natural Heritage Areas, proposed corridors as shown in Figure 1.6. As new projects, network of the Suir and
Natural Heritage Areas or nature reserves, or policy and programming contribute to a better Lough Derg
areas that have been identified as important connected and functioning green and blue infra-
biodiversity areas with protected habitats or structure network, the value of the ecosystem
containing protected species. These core areas services provided by this network will rise. This
are linked together by ecological corridors or rise in value can be quantified, see section 3.4.
strips of vegetation used by wildlife to facilitate
movement between two areas. These corridors
may be ‘linear’ such as continuous hedgerows,
woodland strips or grassland, or take the form
of non-connected corridors or ‘stepping stones’.
Greenways are important components of green Indicative
Core Areas Core Areas
infrastructure as they act as corridors not Indicative
Buffer Zone Buffer Zone
only of species but also of people, in a similar Indicitave Linear,
Indicative Linear+ Stepping
way urban green space offers multiple social Landcaping + Stepping
Stone Corridors
Stone Corridors
benefits. Ecological buffer areas are zones Key Blue
that surround areas of ecological value to Indicative Key Blue Linear Corridors
Linear Corridors
minimise the impacts of an adjacent land use. Linear Corridors+ Buffer Zones in
Linear Corridors
+ Buffer Zones in
There are also potentially artificial green and an UrbanContext
an Urban Context
blue infrastructure assets, such as fish ladders,
green roofs, or green bridges (or eco-ducts) to
facilitate the crossing of animals.24 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways 25
1.6 Legislative and 1.6.1 EU and National
Policy Context Policy Context
This section sets out the The development of green and blue infrastruc- The multifunctional benefits of green and The implementation of a Green & Blue Master-
ture seeks to enhance biodiversity by providing blue infrastructure are widely acknowledged plan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways will help
policy context under which a spatial evidence base which highlights the at European level through for example, the Ireland in complying with a host of UN, EU and
the Masterplan Roadmap value of biodiversity and ecosystem services in EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure which national targets to foster sustainable develop-
has been developed, the context of the economy and society. Green aims to ensure that the protection, restoration, ment along with the implementation of ‘Our
and blue infrastructure also provides strong creation and enhancement of green infrastruc- Sustainable Future: A Framework for Sustain-
how it interacts with linkages with their surrounding natural and built ture become an integral part of spatial planning. able Development for Ireland’ (2012), and the
other stautory and non- environments, and the principles of ecolog- Developing green infrastructure is a key step ‘National Climate Change Adaptation Frame-
statutory documents and ical connectivity are particularly relevant to towards meeting the objectives of the EU 2020 work’ (2012). The Government’s ‘Framework for
planning for outdoor recreation. One of the key Biodiversity Strategy. The integrated approach Sustainable Development for Ireland’ sets out
how it complies with the challenges for Tipperary over the coming years provided through the enhancement of green and a vision on how we can transition Ireland to a
provisions of the Birds and is managing the county’s green and blue infra- blue infrastructure helps with meeting EU direc- resource efficient, low-carbon and climate resil-
Habitats Directives and structure in a sustainable manner to protect and tive and national legislation obligations such as: ient future, acknowledging that a sustainable
support the county’s existing natural resources approach to economic development comple-
can work with the River while promoting regional and local enterprise • Water Framework Directive; ments the core strengths of the economy in the
Basin Management Plan development and tourism. Closely related to
• Flood Risks Directive;
use of natural resources across multiple sectors.
underway this is the recognition of external threats such
• Habitats Directive;
as invasive species and the importance of built The emerging National Planning Framework:
heritage sites and their relationship with green • Birds Directive; Ireland 2040 Plan (NPF)) will provide an in-
and blue infrastructure, most notably the • European Landscape Convention; tegrated framework for future policy, devel-
industrial heritage legacy along the River Suir opment and investment in Ireland and from
• Environmental Impact Assessment
and the relationship between land manage- which, other, more detailed plans (national and
Directive; and
ment and social structure over the centuries. regional) will take their lead. It is envisaged that
• Strategic Environmental Assessment. through the NPF that environmental sustain-
ability will be considered in a wider cross-sector
integrated context, and that Green Infrastruc-
ture and natural and heritage are supported
and promoted through the delivery of the NPF.26 Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary Waterways
‘The focus of tourism pol- national law and the relevant Regulations, the on Natura 2000 sites. Plans and Projects will Recreation and tourism holds considerable
European Communities (Natural Habitats) need to be assessed individually and in combi- potential for further expansion of the County,
icy must be to maximise Regulations 1997, SI 94/1997. These Regulations nation with other plans and projects (through bringing with it substantial employment and
the export contribution of were amended by SI 233/1998 &SI 378/2005. Appropriate Assessment- Article 6 (3)) of enterprise opportunities, particularly to more
tourism, while protecting These were subsequently revised and consol- the Habitats Directive to determine if signifi- rural areas of the county. The Government’s
idated in the European Communities (Birds cant effects on Natura 2000 sites will be likely. ‘People, Place and Policy, Growing Tourism to
the invaluable assets that and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The Notably, the green and blue infrastructure helps 2025’ published in 2015 recognises the integral
are our natural, built and Habitats and Birds Directives have had a major to promote ecological coherence of the Natura role of our natural and cultural heritage in our
cultural heritage’ - People, impact in conserving and restoring a network 2000 network (in accordance with Article 10 of tourism offering. This policy document, which
of biodiversity areas throughout the EU (i.e. the Habitats Directive) i.e. stepping stones and sets out several core strategies and policies to
Place and Policy, Growing the Natura 2000 network) and it is important ecological corridors including nature conser- achieve key tourism targets states that ‘effective
Tourism to 2025, Depart- to note that green and blue infrastructure can vation sites (other than Natura 2000 sites). and balanced management of key natural and
ment of Transport, Tourism have a very positive impact on the conservation Such features are those which, by virtue of their built heritage is essential for growth in tourism
objectives of these sites, even though it may linear and continuous structure such as rivers that is both economically and environmentally
and Sport be located outside these ‘hotspots’ of biodi- with their banks or the traditional systems for sustainable’. Acknowledging the importance
versity. Green and blue infrastructure can have marking field boundaries or their function as of natural and cultural heritage, the policy
beneficial impacts by extending the range and stepping stones (such as ponds or small woods) document states that ‘The focus of tourism
Protecting and enhancing the quality of our increasing numbers of species and habitats in are essential for the migration, dispersal and policy must therefore be to maximise the export
natural and cultural heritage is essential to the vicinity of these areas. It is important to genetic exchange of wild species. In the context contribution of tourism, while protecting the
some national and regional key economic take into account biodiversity corridors and of water quality the Fisheries Acts (1959 – 2017) invaluable assets that are our natural, built and
drivers, including tourism and agriculture. This blue infrastructure when determining potential and the Water Pollution Acts (1977 – 1990) are cultural heritage.’ The Tourism Policy Statement
is acknowledged through national, regional and impacts of projects on conservation objectives also important elements of national legislation. endorses the protection of Ireland’s natural and
local policy. Two key pieces of legislation have of Natura 2000 sites within the catchments. built heritage in a manner that is sustainable
been instrumental in the implementation and The following masterplan, by developing a from an environmental, economic and societal
improvement of green and blue infrastucture roadmap for green and blue infrastructure, will perspective. The Statement includes a provision
over the last 30 years. These are the Habitats assist in the halting the loss of biodiversity in that any future programme of support for capital
Directive (92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive Tipperary. However, the planning of green and investment in tourism will be designed so that
(79/409/EEC and 2009/147/EC). In 1997, the blue infrastructure projects needs to be handled funded projects comply with European and
Habitats Directive was transposed into Irish carefully so as not to have a detrimental impact national environmental regulations.You can also read
