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Project title

Greening the city

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Gerald Mills

Project Abstract

This research focuses on the potential to modify inner city Dublin (defined as the 14 sq. km enclosed by the Royal and Grand canal), by adding green infrastructure (GI) where it is most needed. GI describes the range of vegetation landscaping (parks, greens, trees, food plots, roof gardens, etc.) that can provide important ecosystem services while contributing to economic and social well-being. Well designed GI can offset the undesirable enviornmental impacts associated with urbanisation and help create healthy communities and neighbourhoods. This research builds on long-standing scientific research conducted on Dublin urban forests, public health and the provision of public spaces. It is allied to experience working with various urban stakeholders, including public bodies, community groups and non-government actors. The proposed reserach uses existing geographic databases to perform a 'gap' analysis of the green cover in the city centre in relation to mitigating environmental issues and maximising the benefits to communities. This analysis will provide the basis for a discussion with residents of an inner city neighbourhood to design a plan for greening. The collaborative approach that forms the basis of this project will be disseminated as a model for other urban communities. The expected outputs include a report on the overall results of the project and individual reports on the process of co-creation . It will also result in some specific outputs that will be directed toward international journals. The first component of the project (the assessment and gap analysis) is ideally suited to Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. The process of co-creation through engagment with inner city neighbourhoods will be of interest to Landscape and Urban Planning and Urban Environment; the latter is especially important as its contents are open by default. Other outputs should include newspaper articles and online articles. There are other avenues where the outcomes will find value in policy development focussed on: addressing climate change at a local scale, healthy neighbourhoods, environmental justice, traffic management, etc.

Grant Approved

�144,054.29

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

01/03/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2021