Small Moves, Big Impace
Ecology & Landscape
One of Sandymount’s most defining characteristics is that it has a 2km long frontage to a UNESCO Biosphere. The Biosphere encapsulates all of Dublin bay within its 50km² Core Zone from Howth to Dún Laoghaire. It also extends to over 300km² with 300,000 residents within its broadest territory (including its buffer and transition zones).
Sandymount is a link in a chain of diverse habitats, with a rich and diverse ecology of flora and fauna. These habitats include: the North Bull Island, the Baldoyle & Tolka Estuaries, Booterstown Marsh, Ireland’s Eye & Dalkey Island in addition to the Bay itself and its intertidal landscape.
The Sandymount Promenade is a public greenbelt and amenity within the buffer zone with a direct connection to the Biosphere from the city for a length of over 1km. Having a Biosphere directly on your doorstep is an invaluable asset to Dublin as a capital city but also to Sandymount as one of its coastal villages.
Developing a strategy around communicating this asset to residents and visitors would be worthwhile for both the Biosphere itself but also for Sandymount. The intertidal mudflats of the South Bay at Sandymount are significant for the bird species that reside there. In addition to developing a trail or communication strategy, there could also be an opportunity to include possible shelters for bird watching and looking out across the Biosphere in all weather conditions.
Plan showing potential locations for wayfinding markers, clarifying routes to & from the village, the promenade, public transport & landmarks.
