asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has any powers to help preserve the wild bird sanctuary on the North Bull, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Wild Bird Sanctuary.
69.
I presume that the question relates to the dumping or reclamation recently commenced. I have no powers which are immediately applicable but as the Minister with overall responsibility for physical planning, I am very interested in the conservation of the unique features of Bull Island. I recently issued a statement welcoming the action of Dublin Corporation in requesting An Foras Forbartha to conduct a study into the ecological effects of amenity development works either undertaken or proposed to be undertaken by the Corporation and affecting the island. I hope that An Foras will be able to produce a report at an early date and I feel sure that this will be of considerable value to the Corporation and to other interested parties in assessing the complex problems involved. In the meantime I have noted a press report that in connection with a High Court action taken against them by An Taisce, the corporation have agreed to defer any further dumping for a period of six weeks.
70.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Dublin Corporation reclamation adjacent to the causeway to the Bull Island is affecting the wild bird sanctuary; and whether the sanctuary is protected by legislation from such interference.
In view of the High Court action taken by An Taisce against Dublin Corporation, it would not be proper for me to comment on issues that may arise in that action. The Deputy will have noted from my reply to the previous question that Dublin Corporation have requested An Foras Forbartha to conduct a study into ecological effects of certain works either undertaken or proposed by the corporation and affecting the island; such a study would no doubt deal with the bird sanctuary.