Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
297. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a dedicated conservation management plan has been put in place for the Knockomagh wood nature reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/22]
View answerKnockomagh Wood Nature Reserve was established in 1989. It is a small area of sessile oak and mixed broadleaf woodland which sits adjacent to Lough Hyne Nature Reserve and Environs SAC. Conservation objectives are used to guide the appropriate management of this site.
In 2017 a partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department and Fáilte Ireland was established to achieve the shared goal of further developing quality experiences at our National Parks and Nature Reserves. One major output from my Department's Strategic Partnership with Fáilte Ireland, was a Masterplan for the six National Parks and Nature Reserves. This provides a high level and integrated blueprint for the NPWS to invest in and better manage the parks and reserves network for conservation, biodiversity and visitor experience alike. In effect, it enables the aligning of conservation objectives of the parks and reserves network with increasing visitor appeal and numbers.
As part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to protecting our heritage and recreation amenities, I continue to explore ways to optimise the sustainable potential of heritage sites in my care in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives.
