Vol. 491 No. 4
34 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the changes to sea bed levels in Dublin Bay following the building of the causeway to the Bull Island; the options available to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12273/98]
I am aware of the changes in seabed levels in Dublin Bay in the area at the causeway to Bull Island. A build up of siltation, causing mud banks or mud flats, has allegedly been caused by the construction of the causeway. The findings of the consultant's study on siltation levels at the causeway at Bull Island commissioned by Dublin Corporation were published in June 1996. The options proposed to address the matter, including proposals to breach the causeway, were carefully considered by Dublin Corporation.
A proposal to provide a 70m breach of the Bull Island was agreed earlier this year and I understand that the corporation has written to the Department of the Environment and Local Government seeking funding for the proposal. I will assess any proposal to breach the causeway, which was constructed on State-owned foreshore in 1966 by Dublin Corporation, when and if it is submitted to me for approval in accordance with the requirements of the Foreshore Acts.
