New strategy launched to further protect and enhance Dublin Mountains for sustainable outdoor recreation
Dublin Mountains Partnership launches its Strategic Plan 2022-2026
Dublin, 24th February 2023 – The Dublin Mountain Partnership (DMP) has today launched a new five-year strategic plan, which aims to further provide for recreation, protect the environment and raise awareness of the multiple benefits the Dublin Mountains provide, aimed at those who live in, use, visit or have a role to play in shaping the future of this area.
The strategy sets out a new vision for the Dublin Mountains as an area of outstanding beauty and a place for sustainable outdoor recreation, where people can enjoy the hills, learn about and care for their environment and culture whilst respecting resident communities, neighbouring landowners and other recreation users.
The DMP partners include Coillte, Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and South Dublin County Council. The plan provides a strategic framework to guide resourcing, inform decision-making and launch initiatives over the next five years.
It includes a wide range of actions under four key themes:
- Protect the Resource – Maintain and enhance the ecological integrity of the Dublin Mountains.
- Provide for Recreation – Facilitate the active enjoyment of the Dublin Mountains through providing, maintaining, and managing infrastructure and services.
- Partner for Success – Work with relevant stakeholders to align strategy, policy and funding, share expertise and expand resources to achieve the outcomes of the strategic plan.
- Promote the Benefits – Promote the Dublin Mountains as a wonderful destination for recreation and learning about the outdoors, for both outdoor enthusiasts and the wider public.
The new strategy builds on the work of the DMP over the past 14 years, which has seen €3.2 million invested to improve recreational facilities and access to the Dublin Mountains, including the development of the Dublin Mountains Way, Bike Tracks at Ticknock, Orientation Courses at four sites and much more. It resulted in the decision by Coillte to transition from commercial forestry to managing nine forests in the Dublin Mountains for biodiversity and recreation, known as the Dublin Mountain Makeover.
Launching the DMP Strategic Plan the Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Emma Murphy said:
“South Dublin County Council is delighted to support the DMP in ensuring that recreation within the Dublin Mountains is compatible with the conservation of natural, built and cultural resources and minimises impact on neighbouring resident communities and landowners.”
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said:
“The Dublin Mountains are hugely important as a recreational outlet for the citizens of Dublin City as well as visitors to the city. The mountains are one of the city’s ‘green lungs’ and they will become increasingly important for biodiversity with the phased re-planting of native woodlands to replace former coniferous forest. Dublin City Council is delighted to be a partner in the launch of this new Strategic Plan, which will help us to meet our Climate Change mitigation targets.”
Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, said:
“The Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) is a fantastic initiative and I am delighted that the National Parks and Wildlife Service have been involved since its formation in 2008. Over 2000 hectares of lands in the DMP area are part of National Park and some are also designated as part of the Natura 2000 network of protected European Nature Conservation sites. This new strategy will guide the further promotion and provision of sustainable recreation opportunities in the Dublin Mountains, whilst ensuring the protection and restoration of these important habitats and biodiversity. It is a priceless natural resource on the doorstep of our capital city cherished and protected both now and for future generations.”
Frank Curran has been appointed as Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council:
“This partnership is important for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council as a large proportion of the Dublin Mountains Way traverses the county from Shankill, through Rathmichael, Kilternan, Glencullen and Ticknock with a very prominent link to Marlay Park. Our County Development Plan and Green Infrastructure Strategy aims to provide and encourage linkages between existing parks & open spaces with the Dublin Mountains.”
Ms. Sakinah Brennan Coillte’s ESG Strategy Director said:
“Coillte is a proud partner in the DMP, and this latest strategy is the most ambitious yet, and reflects our commitment to further enhance the Dublin Mountains for recreation use, while protecting the landscape and biodiversity values for future generations. The plan aims to respond to the growing population of Dublin, our goal to provide green spaces for health and wellbeing, as well as the need for green infrastructure to tackle climate change.”
The new strategic plan was launched in Coillte’s Cruagh Wood by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Emma Murphy, who was joined by The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, Mr Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Ms. Sorcha de Brúch, Principal Officer from National Parks and Wildlife Services and Sakinah Brennan; Environmental Social Governance Director from Coillte. The members of the Dublin Mountains Partnership planted trees in the new native woodland at Cruagh, one of the nine Dublin Mountains Makeover sites.
For further information on the Dublin Mountains Partnership and the Dublin Mountains Partnership Strategic Plan 2022-2026 please contact info@dublinmountains.ie
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