A number of environmental groups have blasted plans to site a €10 million football academy close to a bird sanctuary at Rogerstown Estuary, near Donabate, north Co Dublin.

Birdwatch Ireland, Conservation Volunteers Fingal, Coastwatch and An Taisce have all submitted objections to the plans to Fingal County Council.

The proposal - which would see an indoor soccer pitch with seating for 400 people, five changing rooms and parking for 190 cars and 14 coaches - will cover a total area of 8,170 sq m.

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The main argument in opposition to the development is that the plans do not adequately consider the light and noise pollution and the threat posed to wildlife and their habitat.

As well as the estuary being an EU - designated bird sanctuary and Special Protection Area, Rogerstown is a world wetlands site and nature reserve.

The council is expected to launch its planning application within weeks, alluding to the need for a sports facility to meet the requirements for its growing population.

An Taisce said that while it recognised the need for a sports facility, it must be located where it would not present a danger to protected wildlife.

(VB/JM)