Vol. 538 No. 2
18 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the level of public support and demand to breach the causeway at Bull Island, Dublin; the progress to meet the desire of the majority of the public on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16982/01]
I am not aware of any demand from the public for a breach of the causeway at Bull Island. As the Deputy will have noted from my reply to his questions on 10 February 2000 and Wednesday, 21 March 2001, I am aware of resolutions by Dublin City Council on this matter.
The question of breaching the causeway is primarily a matter for Dublin Corporation. My predecessor's reply to the Deputy's question on 25 November 1999 set out, in some detail, the steps which Dublin Corporation would have to take under the foreshore Acts before the causeway could be breached and, in particular, drew attention to the fact that as Bull Island is designated by Dúchas as a special protection area it would be necessary to consult with and obtain the approval of Dúchas before any work could be undertaken.
The Deputy will be aware from my reply to his previous questions that I have approved grant aid to assist Dublin Corporation in a study of the effects of breaching the causeway. I await the results of this study with interest.
