Provision for the survey and mapping of habitats within the Cork City Council administrative area and for the delivery of the recorded information in a GIS Dataset

Tender description

Cork City Council, with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, wishes to contract suitably qualified and experienced parties for the survey and mapping of habitats within the Cork City Council administrative area and for the delivery of the recorded information in a GIS Dataset in accordance with the specifications laid out below. The dataset will be provided in the format of a GIS data hub to facilitate effective use of the data. This mapping study is an action from the Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan. Cork City Council has developed a new Development Plan for the city. The Development Plan sets out objectives, policies, and land use zoning to guide future development within the city for the period 2022-2028. The plan aligns with national and regional planning strategies and guidance, including; the National Development Plan 2021-2030, the National Planning Framework – Project Ireland 2040, the Southern Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan and Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. Additionally, the Cork City Green and Blue Infrastructure Study was completed in 2022 and is a strategic document that has been incorporated into the Cork City Development Plan. The document aims to support protection, enhancement, connectivity and accessibility of green and blue infrastructure spaces. A key thread within these frameworks and strategies is the need for a reduction of the impact of the human footprint on its receiving environment and the increasing use and protection of Green and Blue Infrastructure to help drive the transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society. This can be achieved through measures including compact growth, prioritisation of sustainable travel, and enabling growth which enhances our environmental assets. Protection and enhancement of habitats is an essential component of biodiversity conservation and planning. Conservation of habitats can be facilitated through site-specific habitat classifications and value assessment and information on species assemblages. Within this context, Cork City Council is tendering for the delivery of a Habitat Mapping and Ground Truthing Study for the city that can directly inform the protection and enhancement of our habitat assets including our important and vulnerable habitats, landscapes, and green and blue corridors.