Sir, – I was disappointed to read that "the birds have been blamed as one of the reasons for the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to brand water quality at Merrion Strand in Dublin as poor" ("Seagulls '10 times more polluting to beaches than people'", April 4th). As any informed birdwatcher in Dublin will tell you, the quality and quantity of wading birds, Brent geese, gull and tern species frequenting Merrion Strand is relatively quite high (despite the human pressure in terms of recreational exercise) and enriches the strand for the discerning public throughout the year.
However, it is most probable that their numbers and environmental impact are still dwarfed by the almost million Dubliners living in close proximity to Dublin Bay in general. The strand’s annual tern migration roost, of anywhere between 3,000 and 6,000 birds, which reaches a short peak in August each year, before they depart for Africa, is of international importance.
The EPA needs to consider the welfare of all the users of the strand – whether exercising, swimming, feeding or roosting on it. – Yours, etc,
PETER DOYLE.
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Some recent radio shows have been calling for a cull on seagulls.
Yes, indeed, a cull would be most welcome.
Far too many of them pesky things, banding together, flapping around, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims, making unseemly messes, and squawking all the time, without any consideration for others.
I would definitely vote for a cull of nuisance broadcasters.
But I would be inclined to leave the gulls alone. – Yours, etc,
DECLAN KENNY,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.