Ashcastle Developments will have its work cut out for if it is to get permission for a major apartment development beside the bird sanctuary in Booterstown, given the continued vigilance of the St Helen's Road Residents Association. Last year, the developers withdrew their planning application for three apartment blocks facing the sea and adjoining the sensitive bird sanctuary site.

For the moment, the developers seem to be snookered but residents are not taking any chances.

The association recently invited children from the area to enter an art competition underlining the value of the bird sanctuary and the artist and children's author Don Conroy judged the results. The winning pictures are to go on display in Blackrock Library from Tuesday next.