Pollution threat to rare marsh plant

A rare protected plant may disappear from a Natural Heritage Area in south Dublin if steps are not taken soon to safeguard its future, a report has found.

The report commissioned by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, to be published this summer, says the rare plant Puccinella Fascisulata - known as Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass - may have to be relocated if conditions at Booterstown Marsh on the Rock Road continue to deteriorate.

It has been present in the marsh since 1890 and is protected under the Flora Protection Order, 1999. But deterioration in the delicate balance between the salt water and fresh water that feed the marsh, and pollution from both the sea and the streams, could threaten its future.

The report, which studied the habitats, flora and fauna of the marsh, was prepared by an environmental consultant, Conor Kretsch, of the Moore Group working on behalf of the council.

It says that, if conditions in the Natural Heritage Area continue to deteriorate, removal and relocation of the plant may have to be considered. It highlights a problem with littering and says there is evidence of deliberate dumping of household waste.

It describes the marsh habitats as very unstable and says contamination levels entering the marsh are "significant".

The marsh is also an important habitat for rare birds, wildfowl and waders such as Oystercatcher, Redshank, Mallard and Teal.

The report recommends that investigations be carried out into the water flows that feed the marsh, and a monitoring programme and site management plan be developed as a matter of priority.

Booterstown Marsh is leased from Pembroke Estates by An Taisce Booterstown Management Advisory Committee.