I welcome the opportunity to feedback on Kilkenny's new Draft County Development Plan (2021-2027). It is encouraging to see the many positive policies and objectives in the plan and its focus on climate adaptation and mitigation. My comments in this submission acknowledges the contribution and views of others and aims to highlight some additional points.
Biodiversity
With regard to the current biodiversity crisis, the new Plan should also set an objective to contribute, to the maximum extent possible, our share of the national commitment to protect 30% of the Earth's lands and seas by the end of the decade. This is a commitment Ireland made in January 2021 to under the 'High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.' It is important that this national target is reflected in development plans. Such an objective will set a strong ambition for prioritising nature recovery and the promotion of biodiversity through all areas of LA functions.
In addition, the Draft Plan should aim to align with the expected level of ambition in the new National Biodiversity Action Plan. Clear objectives should be set out pursuing in clear and definitive language our obligations and commitments to new targets for recovering our county's natural environment, wildlife and biodiversity.