Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Car Park Licence.

Seán Ryan

Question:

211 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a request from Fingal County Council for a licence to construct a 112-space car park at the entrance to the coastal walkway at Bissetts Strand, Malahide, County Dublin; his views on the application in view of the fact that the Broadmeadow Estuary is protected under the European Communities (Conservation of Wildbirds) Regulations 1994 and in view of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997; and if his attention has been drawn to the significant opposition that exists locally for the car park at this particular location. [8894/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

An application has been made by Fingal County Council for a foreshore lease to allow the provision of an amenity access area and car park at the entrance to the coastal walkway on the southern side of the causeway at Broadmeadow Estuary. The county council has indicated that the development is intended to facilitate visitors wishing to study the ecology of the estuary and observe wild birds. Public notice of the application was published and the proposals were put on public display at the Fingal County Council offices in Swords and the Malahide public library. Some objections to the proposed development have been received and will be considered carefully in my Department's examination of the application.

It would not be appropriate to express any views on the application at this point. The Deputy may be assured that all issues, including the conservation status of the area in question, will be considered fully before a decision is made on the application.