Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
659. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the purchase of the lands at Booterstown Marsh for An Taisce will be explored to ensure that when the lease runs out in 2020 the bird sanctuary will continue as a public amenity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43165/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBooterstown Marsh is part of South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) (site code: 004024). While my Department is responsible for the designation of SPAs under the Birds Directive, the bird sanctuary at Booterstown Marsh is in private ownership, managed by An Taisce. The level of protection afforded to the site as an SPA will not change should there be a transfer of ownership. My Department has no plans at present to purchase the site.
