John Browne
Question:32 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has taken steps to take over Ballinacor Estate, County Wicklow, as a national park. [10840/01]
Priority Questions. - National Parks.
I refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave on 30 January 2001 to Question No. 969 on this matter where I explained that my Department is concerned to secure the future conservation status of those elements of Ballinacor Estate which are of conservation interest, but that there are a range of mechanisms to address this which do not involve acquisition. There are no plans to acquire all or part of this property as a national park.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): I am disappointed to hear this. This is the last site of the Gaelic courts where Fiach McHugh of the O'Byrne family gave his word. “Follow me up to Carlow” is a very famous line of our anthem in Carlow. The estate dates back to the times when its occupants resisted the Pale. It comprises 4,000 acres of woodland, mountain and river. With all its history, does the Minister not believe it would be preferable if it were a national asset rather than being taken over by a commercial interest which would sell the deer herd and forest?
The Deputy is correct to state this estate has important historical resonance, not only for the history outlined by the Deputy but also for the considerations of natural heritage. The woodland in this estate is primarily oak and there is a great diversity of habitat there. There are a number of mechanisms to address this situation, including designations such as natural heritage areas, which come under the wildlife Acts, management agreements, which are also covered by the wildlife Acts, the planning Acts, and an assessment of forestry proposals by the forest service. There are many ways of protecting what is a valuable resource without having to acquire further lands.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Is the Minister saying it can be preserved without being taken in charge? In other words, if someone buys it as a four thousand acre estate seeing what it is worth in development terms, they can be prevented from exploiting it in that way and the nation can benefit from this wonderful amenity. Is it not a place for the Heritage Council, or Dúchas, to experiment and see nature at work? How has the opportunity of adding this gem to our heritage been missed?
There are no plans at present to acquire part, or all, of the property as a national park. That does not mean conservation of the area cannot take place. The wood in question was proposed as a candidate national heritage area in 1995 and I have outlined the other mechanisms that are there to safeguard the important, valuable natural habitat on this estate. Therefore, though there is no acquisition, that does not mean that there will not be ample opportunity to preserve the lands.