New advice that would see visitors restricted from parts of Bull Island have been proposed by Dublin City Council to protect wildlife.
Under the Visitor Access Management Plan, visitors will be asked not to go into the salt marsh or the northern tip of the island. Dogs will be required to be kept on a lead unless on the designated beach.
The plan is expected to be implemented on April 30. It is estimated 2 million people visit the island every year that also functions as a 1,436 hectare nature reserve.
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The plan reads: "Having discussed the issues with stakeholders who use and care for the island and nature reserve, Dublin City Council is proposing a visitor access management plan that requires people not to access the salt marsh or northern tip of the island, which will be left undisturbed.
"The salt marsh is where migratory birds feed and roost so they can build up crucial fat reserves for their long migratory journeys. The northern part of the island is where seals pup and haul out."
Surveys carried out by the local authority revealed "significant negative impacts caused to wildlife as a result of people walking in sensitive areas and dogs being off lead". Feedback to the plan can be lodged with DCC.
Green Party Councillor Donna Cooney welcomed the proposal. She said: "It is an advisory that appeals to people and gives them information on the wildlife there and how it needs to be protected.
"It is about seeing this as the most protected area for wildlife in the whole of Ireland. People should use it as an amenity but do it in a way that doesn't cause any damage to the wildlife."
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