Michael Ring
Question:583 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the compensation package, if any, agreed for the people of Ballycroy, County Mayo regarding the proposed national park. [9461/98]
Written Answers. - National Parks.
Michael Ring
Question:585 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, made on the proposed national park in north Mayo following the meeting between Dúchas and the Ballycroy Community Council on 2 April 1998; and if she will give a full report on this. [9463/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 583 and 585 together.
I am currently considering the points made by the Ballycroy Community Council to officials of Dúchas at the meeting held on 2 April 1998. The meeting was very positive and provided a useful forum for an exchange of views by the community council and my officials. I will take these points into account together with the recommendations made by independent consultants regarding the conservation of the State-owned lands in north west Mayo.
In any establishment of a national park, as recommended by the consultants, lands proposed for inclusion would comprise lands which have been purchased by the State and all adjoining privately owned lands would not form part of the park. Accordingly, I do not envisage any adverse impact resulting from the people of Ballycroy and the matter of compensation, therefore, does not arise.