Vol. 448 No. 6
96 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in relation to the plans for a national park at Ballycroy, County Mayo, if this is the definite location for the national park; the amount of land purchased in the area for this purpose; the auctioneers who were involved; the solicitors who were involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2710/95]
North West Mayo contains some of the important blanket bogs remaining in Europe as well as outstanding scenery. The importance of the area, and the need to ensure that it is conserved, is recognised and, in order to assist in deciding how best to conserve the area, Mayo County Council and the Office of Public Works jointly commissioned a firm of independent consultants to conduct a study. The consultants' brief required them to consider the feasibility of establishing a national park in this area.
The feasibility of creating a national park in the area, and the proposed boundaries of same, must await completion of the study which commenced last year and is due to be completed towards the middle of this year. I cannot say at this stage, therefore, whether or not any particular location within the study area will be recommended for inclusion in a national park. I should point out, however, that privately owned lands will only be included in a national park where the landowner is willing to dispose of his/or her landholding for this purpose.
The State already owns a number of landholdings within the study area, some of which have been established as nature reserves under the Wildlife Act, 1976.
During the course of the study, Office of Public Works was approached by a number of landowners who expressed interest in disposing of their landholdings, including some in the Ballycroy area and, with my approval, contracts have since been agreed for the purchase of approximately 2,207 hectares and 4/7th share in a further 1,962 hectares in the Ballycroy area. Negotiations are continuing in relation to other holdings. No decision on the future designation of these lands will be taken until the study referred to above has been completed.
It is not normal practice to release details of the solicitors or auctioneers representing private landowners. Solicitors and auctioneers are chosen by the private landowners to represent their interests.
