Future Potential Scenarios Of The North Bull Island,Ireland - By Siddhi Sandeep Gawade May 2021 - Masters of landscape architecture Module ...
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Future Potential Scenarios Of The North Bull Island,Ireland
By
Siddhi Sandeep Gawade
May 2021
Masters of landscape architecture
Module LARC40360
Landscape Studio 4B -2021
1
Figure 1 : Residents of dubliin walking through the dunes on a bright Sunday afternoon
2
Table Of Contents
1. Thesis Statement 4
5-8
2. Thesis Statement Explaination
3. History Of the Island 9-13
4. Ecological Value Of the North Bull Island 14
• Flora 15-19
• Fauna 20-21
• Bull Island Marine Life 22
• Birdlife of Bull island 23-25
5. Bull Island - A Leisure Destination 26
• Golf Courses And Interpretative Centre 27
• The Dollymount Beach 28
6. Conflicts,Trends And Potential 29-36
37
7. Conclusion- Stage 1
8. Second Stage -Design 38
• Design Stage -Explaination 39-41
• Habitats Of North Bull Island 42
• Circulation Plan 44
• Dogwalking On The Bull Island 46
• Flora And Fauna Of North Bull Island 48
• Master Plan 49
• Banning Private Vehicles 50
• Removal Of Golf Clubs 51
• Wooden Decks And Boardwalks 52
• Birdwatching And Reading Spaces 53
54
• Conclusion-Stage 2
9. References 56-57
10. List Of Figures 58-60
3
Thesis Statement
North Bull Island, has been undergoing natural transformations for the past few decades
and could undergo a variety of potential changes in future. There are ways to change
people’s perceptions of North Bull Island, whether by balancing human activity and
environment protection on the island, increasing potential development and use of human
activity areas, or eliminating golf courses and prohibiting vehicle entry to make it a place for
nature retreat. It’s worthwhile to consider the various possibilities.
4
Thesis Statement Explaination
In this project I am listing the potential scenarios of the envirnmentally
rich and exotic site of North Bull Island, located in Dublin Bay, in this
project. The site in question is an evolving site that has undergone
numerous geographical changes over the last few decades and is
expected to change much further in terms of scale, nature, quality,
topography, and other factors.
Apart from natural variations, human activities on the island have
resulted in numerous changes that endanger the environment in
several ways. I studied the wide implications, weaknesses, threats,
and opportunities of the north bull island in this research, which will
aid me in developing proposals to save the site’s habitats.
In this experiment, I’m listing the muliple possible futures of the
transitioning North Bull Island, which include many of the
consequences brought about by nature, but also scenarios brought
about by different strategies that can contribute to the betterment of
the environment, which is presently disrupted by humans and their
leisure, recreation, and development activities.
Rewilding the island by conserving existing habitats and restoring
damage caused by human activity are two possible futures I want to
offer to the site. Protecting the native flora and fauna, as well as mi-
gratory animals and birds that can be seen here during certain times
of the year, is imperative for the island’s rewilding.
5
Figure 2 : Aerial View of the North Bull island an airplane.
Various studies have shown that human involvement has resulted in
the extinction of a wide range of native plant and animal species. If
we consider the various possibilities, one of them is the rewilding of the
island with these lost or extinct species, which is only feasible if human
activities are modified.
As the main goal of this project is to prioritise nature, rather than
completely removing humans from the island, I recommend that human
interventions be modified so that they do not pose a threat to
ecosystems.
Dublin inhabitants have been using the bull island for daily recreational
activities for a long time, and it would be inappropriate to prohibit them
and their activities associated with the land, even though they are
environmentally harmful.
As a result, through my thesis project, I hope to suggest specific
interventions that will aid in the development of a symbiotic relationship
between humans and the environment.
6
The sandy western beach of North Bull Island (Dollymount strand) is a popular
year-round leisure destination for Dubliners and tourists alike, attracting 1.4 million
visitors every year (Brooks et al., 2016). Activities include walking, swimming, canoe-
ing, kite surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, para-gliding, bait digging, dog walking,
motorbiking and golf. Formed overthe past two hundred years after the construction
of the North Bull Wall (that protects the mouth of Dublin port where the Liffey meets
the sea, as well as these sandy dunes), the island and its surrounding areas are
of particular ecological interest and include a variety of habitats (Goodbody and
Nairn, 2018).
In the 1930s, Bull Island became the first official bird sanctuary in the country.
In 1981, Bull Island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In 1988 it was
designated as a National Nature Reserve (Ryfield et al., 2019). The island, now an
integral part of Dublin Bay, was the founding element of the internationally
important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that covers the whole bay (DCC, 2014).
Biosphere reserves are places for learning about sustainability.
Figure 3 : Recreational activities on theBull Islands, habitat types and wildlife
7
“Sites for evaluating interdisciplinary approaches to
understanding and managing changes and
interactions between social and ecological systems,
including conflict and biodiversity management,”
according to UNESCO.
Figure 4 : Wildflower Sea-buckthorn
As such, Bull island (and Dublin Bay) is a place for testing solutions to global
challenges; this site must reconcile biodiversity conservation with its use as a
leisure destination.However, Decisions must be made; the ongoing conflict
between nature and human use must be resolved if the bay is to retain its
status as Biosphere. The causeway road,built in the 1960s, caused silting be-
hind the island and changed its ecology.
The golf courses maintain an entirely unnatural landscape.The Sea-Buckthorn
is encroaching on key habitats everywhere. Key nesting species have ceased
to breed on the island due to excessive invasion, and the Irishhare has been
driven to extinction by free-running dogs. Continued disturbance and the
decision to manage the island in the interest of humans have affected the
site’s biodiversity.
8
History Of the Island
According to Dublin City Council, North Bull Island is nestled along the northern edge of Dublin
Bay. Over the last 200 years, it has been built because of anthropogenic activities in the Bay,
creating about 5 km long and a few hundred meters high (Parks & Landscape Services
Division, Dublin Corporation, 2020).
The human causes are the building of the North Bull Wall---The Bull wall enclosed a great
volume of water within the harbour and at high tide, which on the ebb, scoured out the mud
and sand from the entrance to the port and built up a platform of sand below the high water
level at first. It gradually emerged above sea level, dried up and formed into mounds
(Devitt, 2015), so there are intertidal mud and sand flats between the Island and the main-
land. It is a low-lying sandy spit, a series of dune ridges make up the backbone of theIsland
bounded on the seaward side by Dollymount beach and the mainland by the lagoon salt marsh
(Devitt, 2015).
The timeline above states the identify key elements in the history of Bull Island
The establishment of a safe harbour culminated in
building the Great South Wall (1715-1730) and the North
Bull Wall(1815-1823). It marked the beginning of a more
drastic shift in the harbour’s shape and characteristics
(Wikipedia, 2001).
The first Bull Bridge (the wooden bridge) was erected in
1819 to facilitate the construction of a stone wall such that
the formation of Bull Island was well underway by 1876.
After 87 years, a new Bull Bridge was constructed.
As far as it established two essential leisure facilities, the
Royal Dublin Golf Club was formed on the Island in 1885,
and St. Anne’s Golf Club, 9 Hole, followed in 1927.
9
The North Bull was declared a Bird Sanctuary
in the 1930s. Following the construction of the
Causeway Road in 1962, a UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve was established here in
1981 to be followed by a Nature Reserve in
1988 (Goodbody and Nairn, 2018). In1986, a
Visitor and Interpretative Centre was con-
structed here
Figure 5 : Four main geomorphological units of the North bull island.
The island is over 200 years has grown to over 350 hectares with a length of almost 5km long
and an average width of 700m. The island continues to grow with the seaward dune system
from the beach, the noise of the island at Sutton Creek increasing with the constant tidal move-
ments carrying sand and silt to the shore (Devitt, 2015).
Bull Island can be divided into four main geomorphological units (fig.3): the beach complex
along the southeast coastline, the high-ground dune complex, the salt marsh along the north-
west coastline, and the flat mud area covering the islandmainland zone. The beach complex
stretches for around 600m along the southeast coastline into the sea.
10The complex of sand dunes in the central part of the island stretches from southwest
to northeast for 5 km. It comprises sand dunes along the North Bull Wall that are
840m wide and thinning to the northeast, where it tails off in a Sutton Creek
restricted recurve. The southwest area of the dunes partially disrupts the golf-links.
Two diverging dunes that converge again to the northeast in this area enabled
developing a freshwater marsh of significant ecological value, the Alder Marsh.
North of Green Island, a single forested ridge divides into several ridges
forming a recurve at the northeast end of Bull Island. Saltmarsh deposits develop
along Bull Island northwest coast between the dunes and thelagoon. It is composed
of a mixture of sandy mud with plant remains and a series of drainage creeks
Figure 6 :Developement of the Bull island
Bull Island is unique due to its relatively young age (just
over 200 years) compared to other coastal sites, and that
the Island is still growing (McCorry and Ryle, 2009).
There are many possibilities to join mainland: the Island is
connected to the mainland at two locations, by Causeway
Road and the Wooden Bridge.
It is a dynamic environment that is continually changing
(Fig).It is the only site on the east coast of Ireland, where
sand dunes are accreting (DCC, 2020).
Bull Island is connected to the mainland in two locations, at
the south-west end by a wooden bridge linking the Dublin
Port North Wall to the mainland and by Causeway road,
constructed during the 1960s, at its central part (Mathew et
al., 2019).
11Figure 7 :Evolution of the Dublin bay (DCC,2020)
The image above depicts the
island’s transformation, which
raises a number of questions about
the island’s future image.
12According to Dublin City Council (2007), the island seems likely to
finally merge with the land at its northeastern end. Bull Island is
thought to have been built as a result of the building of the North
Bull Wall, and because the island has continued to expand since
then, it is also generally believed that the construction of the
causeway has disrupted the tidal flow and resulted in
sedimentation of the island.
Suppose the island‘s growth is attributable to the deposition
facilitated by the North Bull Wall.In that case, even if the
causeway were to be removed, this changing shape of the island
may well be unavoidable
Figure 8: Map of Dublin Bay showing human modification. The hatched area shows the
extent of the Bull Island prior to 1913. Effluent data and Pollution Load Index from
O’Higgins and Wilson (2005) and O’Higgins (2006).
13Ecological Value Of the North Bull Island
Figure 9: The marram grass in the grassland dunes of the bull island
Figure 10: Migratory birf knot spotted on the sandy beach
Figure 11: Dactylorhiza maculata,rare species of flora 14Flora
The island has significant ecological value, not only because of the rich ecosystems
that have developed over time, but also because of the diverse flora and fauna that
can be found on the island, which uses the existing habitats for breeding, growing,
and surviving.
The entire bull island, which results from the sand formation is due to the wide flat
beach, the sand source. The beach consists of various seaweeds and debris on the
beach and at low tides,when the wind blows the grains of the sandpile up around
them which gives rise to the growth of the plants near the beach like the sand
couch or sea sandwort(Fig.8) which are said to withstand the salt in seawater and
doesn’t affect its growth.
Figure 12: Sea sandwort growing on beach beach
These plants help the dune formation as
their stems and leaves reduce the wind
pressure and trap the sand to form low
hummocks(DCC-Bull island brochure,
2019).
The dunes formed due to this
process are Embryonic Dunes (DCC,
2020)
Figure 13: Schematic section of dunes stating their typologoy
15Figure 14: Seaweeds and sea grass found on the North bull island.
16The marram grass commonly found on the island is a familiar spiky grass with roots up
to 5m long with rolled-up leaves that conserve water, and the grass helps keep the sand
dunes intact.
In the present time, the bull island is said to display about half of the flora species that
can be found in Dublin(DCC-Bull island brochure,2019). It is observed that out of all
other grass types, the marram grass-dominated dunes are most stable and shielded
from the wind pressure( Lyons, 2020). Various other species of herbaceous plants apart
from the marram grass are spotted in the alder marsh
Figure 15: Bird transporting seeds from one place to another, which is
an important reason for growth of aliens species on the north bull isalnd.
Apart from the marram grass, various alien plant species are seen to grow on the island
which is not recorded as the native plant species, most of which are not suitable for the
sand dunes and increase the nitrogen content in the soil and affect the growth of the
other plant species(DCC, 2014).
It is believed that such species usually grow on the island because of human
intervention or by birds faeces. These plants species enter the island through the
urbanities when they access the site by foot and also due to the dogs walking on the
site as their fur carries various plant seeds which later grown on the island and in some
cases are quite toxic for soil quality of the site (Caplice, 2020).
17Figure 16: Seeds of sea buck thorn and Common cord grass transported
through shoes of the users which leads to thre spread of alien species
through the island.
Lady’s Bedstraw, common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, common Restharrow,
Pyramidal Orchid etc. species are some other types of grasses
seen growing on the island,especially in areas where the marram
grass is less.
Common cordgrass is one of the alien species seen growing
extensively on the North Bull Island on the mudflats, sand flats,
and the salt marshes formed on the island’s sheltered landward
side.
The Dublin Corporation from 1970 to 1995 took measures to
control the spread of the respective species, but the whole
programme was ceased as it was based on chemical treatment
which was hazardous to the existing ecosystems (DCC, 2020).
Rabbit grazing is one reason for the growth of these species on
the island (North Bull island
flora,2020).
18The sea buckthorn is believed to be
harmful to the growth of other plant
species as it increases
the nitrogen content in the soil, thus
degrading the quality ofthe dunes.
Also, the growth and
spread of the plant is quite fast, and
it is very difficult to uproot it (Caplice,
2020).
Therefore, the 2009 management
plan involved JCB’s use to ensure
that the shrub is completely removed
from the loose sandy soil so that the Figure 17: Sea weed of Ireland
possibility of regrowth from underground
rhizomes is completely neglected.
The island consists of various notable
plant species which are listed under the
Flora Protection order (1999) and also in
the Red Data Book (RDB).
Among the other plants, the green
seaweed is seen on a large scale on the
mudflats.
The Dublin bay records about 32
species of green seaweeds which
typically comprises intestine weed or
sea lettuce which grown in abundance
during the summer and die back or are
usually eaten up by the migratory birds
like the brent geese and snow bunting
during their trip to Ireland in winters
for feeding and resting (Nairn, 2020)
Figure 18: Brent Geese feeding on mud flats
19Fauna
The island hosts various plant and bird species and a more limited
range of mammals, like the common and grey seal known as the
harbour seals are visible in the island’s waters. They are commonly
seen during the summer as it is a favourable climate for
breeding.
It is recommended that these seals usually spotted at sea and on
the sandbanks should be given reasonable space and not
distracted or threatened due to human interventions (McCorry and
Ryle, 2009).
The seals spend one part of their day feeding in the sea and the
other part resting on the land where they digest their food and
replace oxygen in their blood which they utilize while performing
deep dives in the sea.
The seals on the North bull island prefer staying in the sea when
there are any dogs or humans walking on the island Thus, the
seals’ breeding or pupping is quite rare on the island as the seal
puppies feel quite threatened by any human activity (Jamieson,
2020)
Figure1 19: The seals hauling at Dollymount beach
There are recommendations made that
the NPWS includes the Bull island site in future censuses of seal
population as an excessive
disturbance at the key breeding and hauling spots is creating a
negative impact on the existence
and populations of the species (McCorry and Ryle, 2009).
20The Irish hare is one well-known animal that was suppos-
edly seen around the ’90s on the bullisland. During the year
1995, there were about 15-20 Irish hares on the island, and
gradually the count started decreasing with an increase in
human interventions on the island
( McCorryand Ryle, 2009).
Again, according to Wikipedia, the hare became extinct
on the island in the later 2010s. The decrease in the hare
population is thought to have been due to dog-walkers.
The excessive use of the island by the dogs resulted in the
extinction of the hares as the timid
animals were scared away (Kelly, 2020).
Similar to the hare, the bull island
has no traces of the Viviparous
Lizard since the year 2008,
which was considered an
endangered and rare species
among other reptiles and
amphibians
(McCorry and Ryle, 2009
Figure 20: Irish hare which is an extinct species currently.
Several bat species are known to
forage around the island,
and the wooden bridge which is
one of the entrances to the island
is one promising area for the
foraging bats.
Three common species of bats
can be seen on the island,
Figure 21 : Bat species which can be spotted in bull island. although the site is not
favourable for the rooting of
these species (McCorry and Ryle,
2009)
21Bull Island Marine Life
These beach strands also consist of a variety of
empty cockle shells buried in clean sand to avoid
being eaten by the oystercatchers. Figure 22: Flat fish found at the bottom of the sea
The Sandymount strand is also known as cockle
lake. (Nairn, 2020). The Dublin City Council staff
has observed a commercial collection of these
cockles which are later sold in the Dublin streets at
a great value.
This can negatively impact the ecosystem, and
there is no such permission or licensing of such
activities by the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries, and Food (McCorry and Ryle, 2009).
Figure 23 : Gastropods,one of the most
diverse groups of animals.
Figure 24: Oystercatcher feeding on cockles
22Birdlife of Bull island
In 1921 the North Bull Island became the first official bird
sanctuary in Ireland, and later by the 1970s was declared a
nature reserve in Dublin Corporation’s ownership (Goodbody
and Nairn, 2018). The EU has now been recognised as a site
of European importance and has also been
listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve since
the 1980s (Goodbody and Nairn, 2018).
The island is recognised for its birdlife as
various migratory birds can be seen on the
island during winter and also during spring
and autumn (DCC-Bull island brochure, 2019).
The North bull island is recognised as a
RAMSAR site, and thus the Ramsar convention
protects these migratory birds seen on the
island during their breeding season and other
native bird species.
The site is also declared as SPA due to
internationally important numbers of wintering waders and
wildfowls (McCorry and Ryle, 2009).
The island is known for the birdlife migrating from the
Canadian Arctic to the Mediterranean region and Africa and
also some range of birds protected under the
EU Birds Directive (DCC, 2020).
The skylark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat and Reed Bunting are
some bird species which prefer the bull island during their
breeding season. (Environmental Impact Services, 2003).
Figure 25: Meadow Pipit spotted mainly in the grassland dunes of the North Bull island.
23In winter ducks, waders and geese settle down for resting on the
bull island due to which the island holds more birds per hectare
than anywhere else in Ireland(DCC-Bull island brochure, 2019). Among
which the dunlin, knot, grey plover, golden plover, bare-tailed godwit, black-
tailed godwit, oystercatchers, and redshank occur majorly from late summer
to early spring on the island (Jamieson, 2020).
This is also one of the essential reasons to keep dogs away from the island
as they possess a threat to various exotic native and migratory bird species.
The dogs off-leash usually run around the island at the beach, scaring the
birds away who migrate to Ireland for roosting or breeding. Most of the birds
have a low energy level which reaches its limit when chased or disturbed by
the dogs due to which the birds die and thus become extinct
(Caplice, 2020).
In an assessment by birdwatch Ireland, specific effects were listed due to the
recreational activities (mostly walking, with or without dogs) on the
waterbirds found on the Bull Island. Wherein it was noticed that during the
winter, the human interventions coincided with the
feeding and breeding season of the migratory as well as the
native birds, causing disturbance to these species (DCC, 2020).
Figure 26: Dog chasing birds on the beach
24Figure 27: Light Belliied Brent Goose Migration
The island observes about 40,000 migratory birds during the winter
and 27,000 birds which are seen on the island throughout the year,
thus leading to the high density of birds in Ireland(Jamieson, 2020).
Winter generally sees a host of migratory birds make their home on
the island out of which two species are the Light bellied Brent
Geese and the Snow Bunting (Jamieson, 2020). The Light bellied
Brent Geese has an interesting migratory cycle. The bird is
based in Ireland from the month of
October to march to Ireland
(Cooper, 2020). Thus,
it becomes indispensable to
protect these endangered species
The snow bunting, another winter
migratory birdspecies, can be seen on the
North bull island, which travels here
from the Artic for roosting.
During the winter there are changes
in appearances observed in both,
male and female species of the
snow bunting which are generally
seen around the dunes feeding on the
insects or grass seed.
Figure 28: Whimbrel,a regular spring and autumn migrants
(Jamieson, 2020)
in Ireland
25Bull Island - A Leisure Destination
Bull Island is one of Dublin’s most prestigious tourist attractions, including two golf
courses, Dollymount Beach and the North Bull Island Nature Reserve. As a perceived
leisure destination with considerable cultural value, Dubliners and visitors alike can find
many forms of leisure, entertainment, and recreation on Bull Island
(O’Higgins et al., 2005 ).
North Bull Island Biosphere’s cultural value includes the benefits of tourism, recreational
activities health, aesthetic appreciation, spiritual experience, and education. North Bull
Island, which is managed by the Dublin City Council and is an integral part of the
Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere, is a special amenity for its esthetic and
recreational value. The island is used regularly by walkers, swimmers, kite-surfers,
beachgoers, bird-watchers, wildlife lovers, and many others.
Many locals enjoy relaxing outdoor activities on the island, the primary recreation on
Bull Island is golfing, cycling, walking, art, films and photography and beach activities,
including boating and kite-surfing.
Figure 29: Stairs near the bath shelters for swimmer to access the sea
26Golf Courses
In the Dublin Bay area, golf is also a
common sport, and two golf courses
occupy the interior portion of the sand
dunes on North Bull Island.
The St. Anne’s Golf Club, which
DublinCity Council owned but
managed by St. Anne’s Golf Club is the
newer one, the more famous
belonging to the Royal Dublin Golf Club.
The Golf Club Facilities features
catering, retail, clubhouse, club hire,
changing rooms, and shower
components.
When the golf is
done, the clubhouse offers the ideal
place for enjoyable relaxation.
This marine environment, with its diverse
wildlife, is a constant source of
enjoyment to golfers
Figure 30 : Current location of Golf courses and Interpretative
Interpretative Centre centre
There is an Interpretative Centre opened in
1986 at the end of the causeway on the righthand side which
has displays and information on flora and fauna of the Island and
provides a base for many schools and educational groups visit the
Island (Wikipedia, 2001).
On either
side of the access to the causeway and on the
roundabout where the causeway approaches
the beach, there are also data signs.
27The Dollymount Beach
Our cultural analyses reveal that enjoyment of the coast is just over two hundred years
old as a place for leisure and recreation. The beach was seen as a valuable space
until the late eighteenth century.
Art and literature show that, along with the growth of
industrialization and modernity, the shore was linked with pleasure and romance.
Dollymount Strand, a popular walking and leisure area that is also popular with the 5 km
beach on the island, but due to the National Nature Reserve status, walking dogs are ex-
pected to be kept under control.
Bull Island caters to everyone, its unique sandy beach ideal for little ones to run and play,
bring a picnic and just relax. There are bathing shelters along the walk. It provides an op-
tion for anxious swimmers since the water is not too deep.Compared to the public seawater
baths built in the Victorian period, swimming is still common today. A variety of swimming
clubs have been set up in the bay (Brooks et al ., 2016).
Bull Island has also become popular with kite-surfers in recent years, with
the declared launch area of kite-surfing near the Bull Wall, accessible from the wooden
Bull Wall Bridge. The shallow water and long stretch of the straight beach allow for safe
kite-surfing. This has inspired many beginners to participate in the sport on the island.
Figure 31: Location of existing bathing shelters on site.
28Conflicts,Trends and potential
Within its cultural values, many items are in conflict, and the ongoing
dispute between nature and human use must be resolved if the bay
is to maintain its biosphere status. The legacy of human
modifications has resulted in an ecosystem in north Dublin Bay that
is predominantly anthropogenic, faces severe and chronic
environmental issues, is highly regarded for recreation and is
internationally recognized in terms of natural heritage.
Perspective one: a large number of recreational uses and litter from
adjacent urban populations, disturbance of habitats by social and
recreationalservices in coastal spaces.
The site’s proximity to a significant urban centre creates significant
pressures on its ecology. As a result of pressure from economic
development, urbanization, and population growth in Ireland over
the past 20 years, human activity causes the increasing
intensification of recreational tensions, resulting in erosion of
some dune zones and interference with wildlife’s survival and
reproduction
Figure 32: Excessive crowding of people on the Dollywmount strand
29Figure 33: Vehicles Tyre tracks on the beach which cause damage to the habiats.
From the North Bull Island dog tracking project 2018 by the Herpetological
Society of Ireland: Dogs have been shown to cover more areas while exercising on
the beach, as compared to the dunes of sand or in the salt marsh; it was decided
that the beach was the most appropriate place for dog training on the island, and
the sand dunes limited maximum exercise.
However, the North Bull Island hare population is now extinct, and the rabbit
population is also in decline likely because of disturbance by dog walkers.
It refers thatdog ownership has recognised benefits for health and well-being, and
dog owners have a fair expectation of using the island to enjoy and exercise and
socialise their dogs. The reality is that a large percentage of the people who
exercise on the island, either with or without dogs, do so without the realisation of
the delicate complexities of the environment in which they recreate
the approximate 1,400,000 visits each year (DCC, 2020).
Therefore, the challenge is to engage with all users of the island and Nature
Reserve to deliver agreed solutions that ca maintain the conservation status of the
Nature Reserve, especially the northern end of the island.
30Access and use of the island
Depending on the parking and traffic problems on the island, there is a
range of solutions. First, about the conflict of car access to the beach, the
cars seem to be more critical than pedestrians and cyclists, whether a bus
could be introduced to the beach or island closer or other ways of
resolving this contradiction about car access to the beach or island.
Figure 34: Cars parked along the wooden bridge access road
A solution to this problem is provided in the 2016
Interpretation Centre’s programme. It indicates that car
access should be allowed on the beach, but only in peak time.
Second, for the parking situation until now, there are few
formal facilities for parking on the island; however,
people park on the causeway road and wooden bridge
due to its expansive width and historically, there have also
been cases of parking cars on the beach. 31About traffic issues of Bull Island, DCC (2020) suggests monitoring traffic levels to
the island and promoting walking, cycling and public transport. Access to the beach
for vehicles from the North Bull Wall is still permitted, although there is always some
suggestion that cars should be banned from Bull Island. Users of the island tend to
walk, drive, cycle and use public transport such as bus or DART (Raheny station).
The island is used both as a tourism destination for international tourists, Irish Tourists
and local Dubliners and movement using car and public transport is predominant.
Casual Cyclists often cycle down the causeway road and north bull wall road on a
long journey. Walkers and runners are top-rated and exist from locals from the area
and people who drive and park for a walk on the island.
It is thought that the current public transport network is inadequate for Bull Island
and its catchment bus routes operate along the coast road however the stop on the
Island, at the roundabout on the causeway road, is no longer in service.
Among the 2016 Interpretation Centre programme proposals are the bus stops are
located periodically along the Coast road with one directly after the causeway road
being used mainly for people visiting the Island via Bus.
Adequate bus routes should drop people off at the causeway road and the centre
itself. This would further reduce the impact and
burden of car traffic on the Island, predominant as the public transport network is
insufficient.
Figure 35: Sutton to Sandyclove cycle way
32Recreational pressures-water sports
activities
There are many other
activities such as bait digging that
people do near the coast on
the Bull Island that have the potential
to destroy the habitat of mudflats and
sandflats, reducing food sources for
birds and discouraging them from
foraging in these areas.
There are also disturbances to
roosting birds at high tide by water
sports activities near the
beach.
Figure 36: Bait digging
Figure 37: Areas where the surrounding habitat has been damaged by bait digging in 2013 and 2014
33Conflict of existing facilities
A. Causeway
There are two entrances to the island along the north Bull wall and the Causeway
Road, which are heavily used. The causeway is the major area for birdwatching on
the island. Also, it has a huge fluctuation in its visual nature due to the sea’s tidal flow,
changing from completely flooded to a tidal spit of sand every 6 hours.
Bird watching shelters and equipment should be placed here for hobbyists the passing
public and more seasoned birdwatchers.The causeway’s use is also controversial, with
a project to create a new Interpretive Centre on the causeway road
Figure 38: Wooden bridge entrance is another access route to the bull island apart from the
causeway road.
B. Interpretative centre
The current Interpretative Centre’s main issue is that any upgrades to it
would cause unavoidable ecological disturbance as it is in the middle
of sensitive dunes (Corrigan, 2020). DCC conducted a feasibility study
in 2016 that considered environmental, ecological and logistical
perspectivein order to establish a new visitor centre.
Accordingto the new interpretation centre for developing the DCC
2020-2025 action plan, many local people online call for the original
building to be altered rather than the new building. It seems
contradictory to create an interpretative centre on the biosphere while
at the same time protecting it (Corrigan, 2020).
“interpretative centre in my view should be located off
the island in the ‘buffer zone’ of the biosphere,” says independent
Councillor Damian O’Farrell
34Perspective two: In the future development of Bulls Island, different ideas such
as turning the whole island into an ecological park are emerging due to the
links and conflicts between the ecology of the island and urban living patterns.
Golf courses
The problem of defining the boundaries of the two
golf courses on Bull Island, their ecological impact
and their existence has been the focus of attention in
recent years,
There are also two steps to be taken on Bull Island,
‘Work with St Annes Golf Club to survey their
boundaries and recommend a fencing solution’ and
‘Protect important salt marsh bird roosting and feeding
areas by limiting public access during
the year west of the golf courses’.
Furthermore, since both of them extract fresh
groundwater for irrigation purposes, the construction
of two golf courses has the potential to affect the
climate, resulting in an impact on the groundwater
table below North Bull Island (Corrigan, 2020)
Figure 39: Aerial view of the Royal Dublin golf course
The golf course poses two threats to the island’s ecosystem:
hydrology or the distribution of water plays an important role in the
island’s ecology, as the high water level makes it possible to grow
rare plant species.
Another concern was St Anne’s Golf Club wastewater treatment
near the marshes on Bull Island.There are different activities on Bull
Island, but the interaction between the distinct groups
on Bull Island is very different.
The conflict on the golf course is foremost in the sense of its
existence. If the place wants to amplify its ecological value in the
future, then the golf course has no great meaning of existing. 35The balance between the availability of sediment
and the rate of sea-level rise over the long
term is crucial for the evolution of Bull Island,
which shows a growing pattern.
Based on the continuing stability of the shorelines and
sufficient sediment supply. Sea level rise due to global
climate change may also lead to beach decline
(Ask about Ireland, 2020). Mathew et al., (2019)
accept that the sea-level could rise by as much
as a metre over the scenario for next hundred
years and might cause the increased supply of
sediment available for transport by tidal currents
in a north-easterly direction (fig.).
Figure 40: shows the possible change of landscape and nuture
around the Dublin Bay in the next 130 years
Figure 41: Example of tidal movements in section (future scenario).Due to the rise in water levels,
possibly the island can be flooded.(Data from 26 th february 2021 to 8 th march 2021) 36Conclusion- Stage 1
Figure 42: Benches along the The North bull island, which is recognized by its ecological value, is ma-
wooden bridge entrance jorly used as a public park by Dublin’s urbanites. The island has various
possible futures not only because of the changing environmental factors
but also due to the human activities that pose a threat to the ecosystems.
At present, the island involves conflicts regarding conserving
the ecosystems or giving preference to the human activities on the island
as it favours all age groups’ interests.
So, whether we need to increase human activity areas in the future or get
rid of golf, human activity, and environmental conservation on the island
should be balanced. Issues of the golf course’s ecological and boundary
should be avoided by using fresh groundwater for irrigation, connecting
to the mainland for wastewater treatment, and finding other permanent
solutions from the new Discovery Centre.
The island involves physical activities like dog walking, camping, kite
flying, golf, etc. The ongoing conflict between them has to create a strain
on the nature of the site, cause disturbance to the existing flora and fauna,
thus reducing the ecological value. Although dogs and vehicles are not
currently banned from Bull Island, there is a requirement for dog
control and restricted planning for vehicles to prevent dogs from
appearing on the island to track creatures and reduce vehicle
disturbance.
On the one hand, in order to protect the ecology without changing the use
of the site, the island can be divided and designed in a way wherein
humans activities do not posses a threat to the natural ecosystems, and
the rest of the island is allocated for the natural habitats where nature
is the architect.
Over the years, the site has observed geographical changes and
environmental changes because of human interventions; therefore, it
is necessary to give nature importance or it will lose its ecological value.
37Second Stage -Design
Figure 43: Dollymount Promenade
38Design Stage -Explaination
The second stage of the thesis project involved designing the
site based on the results of research into the site, its
ecology, geography, topography, and various conflicts
expressed by Dublin residents as well as the authorities in
charge, who valued nature over public interest.
The research taught me about the threats humans pose to
the bull island ecosystems, and it made me realise the
importance of limiting human activities on the island, as
suggested by many nature lovers.
My main goal in this project is to establish a symbiotic
relationship between humans and ecosystems, which, in
my opinion, can be a fruitful potential future for the island
because it acknowledges the emotional connection of Dublin
residents to North Bull Island while also assisting in the
protection and expansion of biodiversity and exotic flora and
fauna.
Figure 44: A view of the dollymount strand with poolbeg chimneys in the background
39Figure 45: Cars parked near the happy out cafe.
The island lacks a variety of amenities and facilities that
humans need. The island has less toilets, is less
accessible, has a limited amount of food and
beverage options, and has less seating areas, among
other things. While the two golf clubs on the island offer
these facilities, they are only available to members and
not for everyone who visits the island.
Since there is no public transportation to the island, the
vast majority of visitors arrive by private car, resulting
in heavy vehicular traffic and vehicles parked all over
the island due to a lack of parking facilities. This is one
of the key issues that I have discussed in my thesis, as
inadequate vehicle usage and parking has severely
harmed the environment in this region.
40To avoid the threat posed by excessive human interference,
I have concentrated on separating human activities from
endangered species on the bull island. Apart from that, I’ve
considered removing the two existing golf courses from the
site, which take up a large portion of the land and could be
relocated or transformed in a way that favors the habitats or
human activities.
The separation of the two activities from the island is
centered on the presence of flora and fauna on the site as well
as human circulation. During my research, I discovered that the
majority of habitats, animals, plants, and migratory as well as
native bird species are found in the northern part of the island.
As a result, I limited human intervention to the southern part
of North Bull Island, which is actually more heavily used for
human activities and has also been affected as a result of this
overuse. The northern part, on the other hand (reserved for
ecosysytems in my design) is more untouched and has the
scope to be revived further.
Figure 46 : The wooden bridge entrance leading to the statue of Realt na Mara.
41Habitats Of North Bull Island
It was important to study the island’s current
environments in order to comprehend the area
that is necessary for the breeding and nesting
of various plant and animal species. Various
ground nesting birds visiting the island can be
seen in the dunes, while others can be seen in
the mudflats.
Seals are often seen hauling on the beach at
the island’s northern tip. Apart from these
species, humans use certain habitats, especially
the beach and dunes, for recreational activities,
sight-seeing, and other purposes.
As a result, the ecosystems of Bull Island are
diverse and significant for all of the species
associated with the North bull island.
42Figure 47: A view of the dunes with a foot walk leading to the Dollymount strand.
43Circulation Plan
The site currently has two entrances,
which include the wooden bridge and the
causeway road for private vehicles ,
pedestrians and cyclists.
The wooden bridge sees a lot of vehicle
and pedestrian traffic since it connects to
the southern part of the island, where there
are a lot of human activities including
swimming, kite flying, cycling, dog walking,
and other leisure activities.
At the entrance roads and near the golf
courses, there is more public movement.
As a result, the northern part of the island
is less impacted.
44Figure 48:Bath shelters along the road
Figure 49: Stairs provided for swimmers to access the
ocean
Figure 50 : Pedestrians walking and cycling to
statue of Realt na Mara 45Dogwalking On The Bull Island
The Dublin city council currently has dog
walking limits on the island, which
distinguishes between areas where dogs
can be let off the leash and areas where
they must be on a leash.
After researching the various threats
posed by dogs to birds and plant species,
I came up with the idea of banning dogs
from the site as part of my project.
Also, as an option for this operation, St.
Annes park, which is about a 1.5-kilometer
walk from the bull island, may be
suggested because it has ample space for
the dog walking and also has an existing
dog park. 46Figure 51: Dog walkig at St.Anne’s Park
Figure 52: The Secret Garden and Clock
Tower in St. Anne’s Park
Figure 53 : Trees acting as natural canopy over footwalk at St.Anne’s Park,Dublin.
47Flora And Fauna Of North Bull Island
Legend The island is home to a diverse range of flora and
fauna. Across the year, the lagoons and saltmarshes
serve as a breeding ground for a variety of native and
migratory birds. Winter is the best time to see
migratory birds.
During low tide, some birds scatter around the sandy
beach, but when the tide rises, they return to the salt
marsh.
From August to March, ground nesting birds can be
found near sand and grassland dunes. The majority
of the flora can be detected in grassland dunes, while
marram grass can be found in sand dunes, all of
which help to preserve the dune system.
48Master Plan
KEY
1. vehicular drop out and bogey parking
2. Wooden bridge (restricted to bogeys and
pedestial movements.
3. limited parking for 4 vehicular (structure on site)
4. Entry to the park (Area reserved for humans)
and bogey parking .
5. Causeway entrance for pedestial,cycles
and dublin bus.
6. Bus drop point ,bogey parking and bicycle park.
7. Wooden boardwalk and road for bogey
towards the beach and the statue.
8. Bogey route leading to the statue and around
the isalnd.
9. Park for human activities (cafe,playgroungs,
open gyms,gardens,etc.
10. Southern side of beach for human activities.
11. No human intereference in the northern
part of the island
49Banning Private Vehicles
In order to address the bull
island’s low accessibility as well as
the issue of vehicular traffic, which
endangers the site’s biodiversity,
I proposed a public transportation
plan that would include a dublin
bus drop service via the causeway
entrance.
During my site visits, I noticed
vehicles parking all over the site,
which is an issue of conflict in Despite numerous limits, users drove
Dublin. their cars all the way to the beach,
posing a threat to habitats as well as
endangered species that are likely to
nest and breed in these habitats.
As a result, I plan to prohibit private
vehicles from entering the island
and instead provide boogey services
from the mainland near the wooden
bridge entrance, which would enable
people of all ages and abilities to
access the place.
50Removal Of Golf Clubs
After considering the numerous disputes
and threats surrounding the two golf
courses on Bull Island, I propose that they
be removed from the island.
I choose to turn the Royal Dublin Golf
Course into a human activity area/park,
which would include all of the requisite
human activity infrastructurewith less
hardscapes and more softscapes,that the
island currently lacks.
In certain ways, this is an effort aimed at
separating humans from the environment and
reducing the danger they pose.
The st.Annes golf course (which occupies the
northern part of the bull island) will be removed,
and the habitats will be allowed to grow into that
area.
For pedestrians who want to access the beach
after arriving on the island, I’m using boardwalks
that run alongside my boogey road.
51Wooden Decks And Boardwalks
In my design, I primarily used
wooden decks and boardwalks to
connect spaces and provide
activities and infrastructure that
fit my design.
These boardwalks connect jogging paths,
play areas, planting spaces, flower gardens,
and other activity areas.
Amenities such as toilets, seating areas, and
water sources would be included in areas
designated for humans.
I’m using woodden decks in my
designs for cafe seating, birdfeeders,
and installation frames that enable
people to make their own installations
out of empty beer bottles.
This can provide a design element
while also preventing unnecessary
waste from gathering on the site.
52Birdwatching And Reading Spaces Aside from recreational and entertainment facilities, I offer reading areas where readers can relax in a serene and quiet environment. I’ve incorporated a revamped version of bird watch towers near the site boundary facing the dunes, which would have seating spaces and be at a certain height, allowing for a good view of the dunes and the various flora and fauna that can be found there. Stairs and ramps are also included in the structures. Another reason for placing these spaces near the site boundary is to allow direct access by boogey, which will allow both the elderly and the specially abled to enjoy these areas equally. 53
Conclusion-Stage 2
This thesis examines the conflicts and challenges that North Bull Island faces
as an evolving island with diverse ecosystems and a diverse range of plants,
animals, birds, insects, and other species that contribute to the island’s
importance. The place, which was created as a result of human interference,
is now losing its eological significance as a result of humans. In my study, I
propose different methods for prioritising eco environments by altering human
activities.
I attempted to find alternatives to the island’s required human activities, as
well as to establish a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
My architecture thesis isn’t just about helping the environment; I’ve also tried
to provide the bull island with the requisite human infrastructure that it
currently lacks. I’ve tried to address significant ecological conflicts that I’ve
discovered during my study.
I may have looked at a number of topics due to the project’s scope. However,
the areas and issues that I chose to investigate and design, were those that
allowed me to address the major threats that the site has faced in recent
decades, that if not addressed may result in permanent damage to the island.
Apart from the areas i choose to work on i feel there is a lot more scope to
design the site and improve it further.The elimination of golf courses, as well
as the prohibition of dogs and private cars, are the three key measures I have
proposed in my design to help the environment and ecosystems recover.
Finally, even though my thesis is focused on a hypothetical issue that is entirely
dependent on natural ecosystems, I believe that if human interventions are
encouraged and nature is prioritised, the North Bull Island might become a
richer and more beautiful ecosystem than it is now.
54Figure 54 : Water logging caused near the beach access road.
55References
Newspaper
Kelly, O. (2020) ‘Dogs to Be Banned from Parts of Bull Island to Protect Wild-
life’. The Irish Times, 18 May. Available at: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/
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life-1.4255606. (Accessed 26 October 2020).
O’Loughlin, M. (2019) ‘A New Urban Quarter on Bull Island? Time to Learn
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dutch-1.3923437. (Accessed 26 October 2020)
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(Accessed 5 November 2020).
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kaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/secondary-students/geography/physical-en-
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56Interview
Caplice, M.(2020) Conversation with graduate and masters student of landscape architecture,6 Novem-
ber.
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57List Of Figures
Figure 1 : Residents of dublin walking through the dunes on a bright Sunday afternoon (By Author)
Figure 2 : Aerial View of the North Bull island an airplane afternoon (By Author)
Figure 3 : Recreational activities on the Bull Islands, habitat types and wildlife (By Author)
Figure 4 : Devlin.Z (2009)Sea-buckthorn [Photograph]Wildflowers of Ireland.
Figure 5 : Four main geomorphological units of the North bull island (By Author)
Figure 6 : Ackbar.A.(2010)Development of bull island [Photograph]Geochaching.
Figure 7 : Dublin City Council (DCC). (2007) Dublin Bay An integrated economic, cultural and social
vision for sustainable development. Availableat:https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/media/fileup-
loads/2018-05/A_Vision_for_Dublin_Bay.pdf. (Accessed 25 November 2020).
Figure 8: O’Higgins, T., O’Higgins, L., O’Hagan, A.M. and Ansong, J.O.(2019) Map of Dublin Bay show-
ing human modification. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330614074_ Challeng-
es_and_Opportunities_for_Ecosystem-Based_Management_and_Marine_Spatial_ Planning_in_the_
Irish_Sea_past_present_future (Accessed 26 December 2020)
Figure 9: The marram grass in the grassland dunes of the bull island (By Author)
Figure 10: Martin.B (2021) Knot [Photograph] Bird watch Ireland
Figure 11: Griffin . N (2013) Dactylorhiza maculata [Photograph] North bull island.com
Figure 12: Gulbis. A.(2019)Closeup of sea sandwort[Photograph]Redzet.eu
Figure 13: Schematic section of dunes stating their typology (By Author)
Figure 14: Dublin city council (2021)Sea weeds and sea grass of north bull island [image].Available at :
https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/parks/dublin-city-parks/visit-park/north-bull-island (Accessed 07
may 2021)
Figure 15; Shaw.D. (2020)Bird behaviour [Photograph]Birds & blooms
Figure 16: Scot. A.(2020)Plant portrait common cord grass [Image]Dreamstine.com
Daniells . S.(2012)Sea buck thorn berries and couple of leaves [Image] Nutra ingredient-usa.com
Figure 17: McMahon (2018) Seaweed is Ireland’s great untapped resource c The Irish times.
Figure 18: Woods. A. (2008)Brent Geese feeding on Sandymount sand and mud flats [Photograph]
Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 – 2012.
Figure1 19: Gallagher. J.(2021)The seals enjoying the sunshine at Dollymount [Image] Sundayworld.com
Figure 20: Cooney. T (2013) Irish hare [Photograph] North bull island.com
Figure 21 : CarRoll. H. Bats of bull island [Image] Bull island biosphere reserve.
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