Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Drogheda (Louth) Bird Survey.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

709 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands whether she has considered the views of BirdWatch Ireland which includes an acceptance that the collection of data on bird counts must take place over the course of a full winter period in relation to an environmental impact study for a proposed docks development at Drogheda, County Louth. [2038/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

In formulating a position on the proposal to develop the port at Drogheda, my Department took account of all available data, including the views of BirdWatch Ireland. Following extensive consultations between Dúchas, my Department's heritage service, and the port authorities, the original proposal, which involved the disposal of dredged material on the beach at Baltray, was modified in order to avoid damaging the dune habitats in this area. Under the modified proposal, dredged material will be spread on about 30 acres, or 10 per cent of the total mudflat system of mudflats at Stagrennan. It is considered that although this area is used by golden plover, there is ample alternative habitat in the area.

However, to avoid the permanent loss of this habitat, it is now proposed that all of the material be removed within three to five years, and the mudflat restored to its former state. In addition, the port company will rehabilitate an additional equivalent area of mudflat at Baltray by controlling encroaching spartina grass and removing a sill left from previous pipe laying. As well as providing short-term mitigation, this will, of course, constitute a long-term enhancement of the mudflat habitat in the area.

In all the circumstances, I consider the above to be acceptable, and Dúchas will monitor developments in the area, including implementation of each of the elements described above. This will include monitoring of the patterns of bird use of the various parts of the port area in winter time.