Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the importance and recognition that his Department attaches to the natural heritage of Bull Island, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5619/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The North Bull Island is recognised as being of national and international significance for nature conservation. The Island, and the surrounding intertidals flats, are variously designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation, as a candidate Special Protection Area for birds and as a Statutory Nature Reserve. The Island therefore forms part of Ireland's contribution of sites to the European network of nature conservation sites — NATURA 2000. In addition, North Bull Island is also a Wildfowl Sanctuary, a Ramsar Convention site, a Biogenetic Reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Special Area Amenity Order site. The site is used regularly for educational purposes and there is a staffed interpretative centre on the island. The North Bull Island therefore plays an important role in the conservation of Ireland's biodiversity.