Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 61:

In page 57, line 30, after “to” to insert “protect and preserve semi-mature and mature trees and hedgerows, especially those older than twenty years, or”.

This amendment seeks to include specific protection for mature trees and hedgerows in the amending of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. As we know, large scale infrastructure projects and road development can often necessitate the removal and destruction of trees and hedgerows. This amendment would permit the Dublin Transport Authority to acquire land to protect and preserve semi-mature trees and hedgerows, taking particular account of those that are more than 20 years old. Mature trees and hedgerows play a critical role in carbon sequestration and the promotion of biodiversity. It is important that we provide specific protection for them in legislation. This amendment would achieve this by providing that the authority could purchase land or acquire land by CPO to preserve mature trees and hedgerows. We acknowledge that this might not be the most appropriate placement of this amendment given that the relevant sections relate exclusively to the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. However, we would welcome engagement with the Minister and his officials regarding how the protection and preservation of mature trees and hedgerows can be ensured when large-scale infrastructure and road development is occurring.

Amendment No. 62 is a simple amendment which seeks to include specific protection for local amenities which are affected by the impact of the development of public transport infrastructure under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. This section currently provides that the authority could take any measure required to mitigate the impact of public transport infrastructure on a site, building or structure. However, we feel it is important to include specific reference to local amenities, given the important role they play within communities in terms of social infrastructure in Dublin.

Amendment No. 63 seeks to protect the public realm when it is affected by the impact of the development of public transport infrastructure under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The section currently does not make any specific reference to the public realm despite the fact that large scale public transport infrastructure development regularly impacts on the availability, functionality and quality of the public realm in Dublin. This amendment would correct what we feel is an important omission and would ensure that where there is an impact on the public realm in the development of transport infrastructure, the authority could take action to mitigate the effects so that the public realm remains accessible, functional and of good quality.

Amendment No. 64 seeks to include specific protection for accessible parking where public transport infrastructure is being developed within the remit of the Dublin Transport Authority. If we are to reduce the number of cars on our roads we will need to disincentivise car use in our towns and cities. Reducing the availability of public parking will be an important tool in achieving this. However, we must ensure that accessible parking is maintained in tandem to ensure our villages, towns and cities remain accessible for persons with a disability.