Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Mayo National Park.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

113 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on the establishment of a national park in Ballycroy, County Mayo; and when he anticipates the substantial completion of the land purchase to establish this park. [10663/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Mayo County Council have commissioned a team of consultants to conduct a study on the "Conservation of the Natural Heritage of North West Mayo". The consultants report should be available to me within the next two months. As one aspect of the consultant's brief they were asked to examine the various mechanisms for conserving nature, one of which could be the establishment of an internationally recognised national park in the area. When the consultant's report has been finalised I intend to seek the views of the general public and interested parties on the report.

The land which the Deputy refers to is of importance for nature conservation reasons but it is not specifically being purchased to establish a national park. Agreement has been reached to purchase some 10,500 acres in this area and the NPWS are in negotiation with a number of other landowners. I am not yet in a position to give definite information as to when negotiations will be completed.

I would like to assure landowners that any national park will comprise only land in State ownership.