The Ward Cross, The Ward, Co Dublin

GB - Green Belt: Create a rural/urban Greenbelt zone that permanently demarcates the boundary i. between the rural and urban areas, or ii. between urban and urban areas. The role of the Greenbelt is to check unrestricted sprawl of urban areas, to prevent coalescence of settlements, to prevent countryside encroachment and to protect the setting of towns and/or villages. The Greenbelt is attractive and multifunctional, serves the needs of both the urban and rural communities, and strengthens the links between urban and rural areas in a sustainable manner. The Greenbelt will provide opportunities for countryside access and for recreation, retain attractive landscapes, improve derelict land within and around towns, secure lands with a nature conservation interest, and retain land in agricultural use. The zoning objective will have the consequence of achieving the regeneration of undeveloped town areas by ensuring that urban development is directed towards these areas.

Protected high-amenity landscape. Development is resisted to preserve the character of the area.