Dear Supporter, thank you so much for joining our campaign. 

We are getting a some questions and having  good debate with stakeholders - it is great to see the level of interest. 

We know that the government tagline is 'Housing at all Cost' and we believe there is a way to deliver homes in sustainable communities, not just barren housing estates. 

Our greenbelt is currently  protected open land surrounding the city. Its purpose is to limit urban sprawl and preserve natural landscapes, biodiversity, recreation space and the character of communities.

In planning terms, the key functions of a greenbelt typically include:

• Preventing uncontrolled urban expansion
• Protecting countryside and natural habitats
• Providing space for recreation, walking and wellbeing
• Supporting biodiversity and wildlife corridors
• Helping with flood management and drainage
• Improving air quality and reducing urban heat effects
• Preserving scenic landscapes and visual amenity

In the context of areas such as Douglas/Rochestown, the greenbelt or hinterland also plays an important strategic role by:

• providing future parkland opportunities,
• protecting already pressured infrastructure,
• and ensuring large residential communities retain access to open recreational space.

Greenbelts are often considered important for long-term sustainable planning because, once developed, open land is extremely difficult to restore at scale.

Phase 2 of this campaign will be to form an area-wide group to engage with Cork City Council on a Sustainable Master Plan for Douglas to deliver homes in an environment worth living in.  

Thank you for your support.