DZ19A/0765

This application includes development within the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) and is subject to the Cherrywood Planning Scheme 2014, As Amended. Permission for the construction of a Public Park known as Ticknick Park (Phase 2). Ticknick Park (now referred to as Ticknick Park Phase 1) is a public park of approximately 19HA granted planning permission under Reg. Ref. DZ16A/0570 and is currently under construction. The proposed development (referred to as Ticknick Park Phase 2) will consist of: earthworks/ reshaping of existing lands to provide areas of passive and active open space over an area of approximately 42.36HA to provide an extension to the permitted public park (Ticknick Park Phase 1) (which will provide a public park of c.61.5HA when taken together with the permitted phase 1 park) and to include new active and passive amenity spaces, 4.3kms of walking trails and cycle routes, 1.3km all terrain bicycle route, habitat areas for ecology and biodiversity, parkland including grassland/ meadow spaces, terraces, viewing areas, hard and soft landscaping, retaining structures, tree planting, seating, picnic areas, park fitness stands, directional and information signage, boundary treatments, surface water drainage infrastructure including SuDS features (infiltration trenches, infiltration blankets and swales) and all associated site and development works. The majority of existing hedgerows, parkland trees and stands of forestry trees will be retained. The Ticknick Park Phase 2 proposals include the following sub-areas: Area 1. Recreation Paths and Trails - (c. 11.99HA): North and West of Ticknick Park Phase 1 (Lands Within Planning Scheme Boundary). Includes greenway route continuation into the park to provide pedestrian and cyclist access; Parkland spaces for amenity, terraces and varied topography and surfaces for natural play areas; creation of a variety of new native habitats including woodland, shrub thicket, wildflower area, gravel and boulder. Existing hedgerows and forestry plantation will be retained. Area 2. Ecological Buffer Zone (Woodland and Scrub) - (c. 8.19HA): Northwest and North of Ticknick Park Phase 1 (Lands Outside Planning Scheme and SDZ Boundary). Includes new habitat areas for ecology and biodiversity, including woodlands, shrub thickets, wildflower areas, seasonal ponds; gravel surfaced viewing area/trail connecting to the park trail network. Existing scrub habitat area along north-western boundary is retained. Area 3. Woodland Recreation / Cycle Trail (c. 12.16HA): Northwest and Southwest of Tully Bridge / M50 Overbridge (Lands Outside Planning Scheme Boundary). Includes pedestrian trails and 1.3km trail for all-terrain bikes; large areas of new habitat areas for ecology and biodiversity including woodlands, shrub thickets, wildflower areas. Existing boundaries and forestry are retained. Area 4. Grassland / Meadow (c. 4.75HA): Southwest of Junction 16 (Lands Within Planning Scheme Boundary). Includes parkland spaces and fields / terraces for community agricultural use. Existing treeline to be retained. Area 5. Grassland / Meadow (c. 3.78HA): Lands southwest of Junction 16 (Lands Within SDZ Boundary (c. 2.87HA) and Lands Outside Planning Scheme and SDZ Boundary (c. 0.91HA)). Includes woodland and shrubs and part of the fields / terraces for community agricultural use, continuing from Area 4. The proposal will involve importation of approximately 210,058m3 of clean and suitable fill material, that is a by-product of the Town Centre development permitted under Reg. Ref. DZ17A/0862, to create naturalistic slopes and landforms and raise ground levels varying between O to 7.5 metres above the existing ground level (the average increase in ground levels is an increase of 2 to 3 metres). The imported material from the permitted Town Centre development will be subject to Article 27 notification of soil and stone as a by-product in the context of the EC (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011. The permitted Ticknick Park Phase 1 development will remain unchanged, except for some additional paths which will connect the two phases of the park and a new entrance space with signage, seating etc. near Tully Bridge (M50 Overbridge). The current application site includes lands that are within the Cherrywood SDZ Planning Scheme boundary (c. 16.74HA), lands outside the Cherrywood Planning Scheme Boundary but within the Cherrywood SDZ Boundary (c. 15.03HA) and lands that are outside both the Cherrywood SDZ Planning Scheme Boundary and the Cherrywood SDZ Boundary (c. 9.lHA). There are lands included within the application site boundary where no works are proposed, including lands adjacent to Area 5 (c. 0.92HA) and existing private roads / lanes off Ballycorus Road, south west of Area 1 (c. 0.57HA). An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) has been prepared and will be submitted to the planning authority with this application.