Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Natural Heritage Areas.

Ivor Callely

Question:

11 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department has recently examined Bull Island, Dollymount, Dublin 3, to evaluate the natural heritage which exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11090/99]

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

The position in relation to this matter is that the importance of Bull Island for our natural heritage is fully recognised by the various ecological designations it has attracted or that are proposed for it.

In 1986 the island was designated a special protection area under the EU Birds Directive. My Department has also included it as part of the North Dublin Bay proposed candidate special area of conservation, a designation category under the EU Habitats Directive. It is also proposed for designation as a natural heritage area. Most of the island is managed by Dublin Corporation as a nature reserve. In 1986 the island was designated a sister reserve to Polar Bear Pass, a national wildlife area, by the Canadian wildlife service, in recognition of its international importance for brent geese. The island is also a designated world biosphere reserve, a biogenetic reserve, a corine biotope site, a ramsar site and a wildfowl sanctuary.

A contract ecologist engaged by Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, recently visited Bull Island as part of the conservation planning process. This visit involved an examination of the islands ecology. A plan to ensure the conservation of the island ecology will now be drafted and reviewed by Dúchas. The plan itself will not be completed until after full public consultation has taken place.

The many ecological designations applied to, and proposed for application to, the island will indicate to the Deputy the recognition by my Department of the importance attached to the natural heritage of Bull Island.