Madam, - It is an unfortunate fact that good news gets scant notice. That is maybe why little media attention has been paid to an enlightened and innovative plan that will copperfasten the future of one of the most important natural resources in this country.
I refer to plans proposed by Fingal County Council that are likely to turn Rogerstown Estuary into one of the finest recreational facilities in the country.
Rogerstown Estuary, near Donabate in north County Dublin, is a special area of conservation, a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, and a special protection area. The estuary holds internationally important numbers of Brent Geese.
Fingal Council has just published a plan to spend €9.2 million to develop a natural amenity area at Rogerstown Inner Estuary. The works proposed include new entrances, 250 allotments, 3km of walkways, car-parking spaces, woodland and hedgerow planting and the sowing of hay meadows.
The council is also planning to provide interpretative facilities, to encourage sightseers away from the sensitive parts of the amenity lands. Educational resources for children will also be developed at the site.
The works proposed will secure the future of this important nature reserve in an area that is under considerable developmental pressure.
I would encourage those readers with an interest in our natural environment to support the initiatives proposed for Rogerstown Estuary. Written submissions on the proposals can be sent to Fingal County Council, Swords, on or before August 27th or to maria.quill@fingalcoco.ie. - Yours, etc,
NEIL DEMPSEY, Burrow Road, Portrane, Co Dublin