Vol. 461 No. 6
79 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the total area of land purchased in the Ballycroy area of County Mayo towards the provision of a national park; the amount of land acquired to the end of 1994/1995 and to date in 1996; the likely timescale for the complete acquisition; when he will be in a position to make an announcement formally establishing the national park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3481/96]
Prior to 1994 the area of State-owned lands in the Ballycroy area of north-west Mayo amounted to 2,582 hectares. In 1994 the State acquired a further 3,329 hectares. In 1995 a further 3,804 hectares were purchased to give a total area of 9,715 hectares.
This total includes 1,778 hectares where the State does not have full title and also includes land acquisitions where contracts are awaiting signature.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service and Mayo County Council have commissioned a study on the "Conservation of the Natural Heritage of North-West Mayo". I hope to have that study available to me within a month or so. Until I have had the opportunity to peruse this study the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to make any announcement concerning a national park or a possible timescale for the acquisition of any further lands that may be recommended for acquisition by the consultants.
