National Parks and Wildlife Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Questions (813)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

813. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what steps are proposed or already being taken to end farming practices and other exploitation at Dowth Hall, in line with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designation for national parks which obliges NPWS to take steps "to prevent or eliminate as soon as possible exploitation or occupation in the whole area and to enforce effectively the respect of ecological, geomorphological or aesthetic features which have led to its establishment". [1313/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

This 552 acre park contains valuable elements of natural, archaeological,  architectural and agricultural heritage of universal value. It will be managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as a new national park to ensure the preservation of these features for the people of Ireland. The NPWS will shortly begin work on preparing a management plan for the entire site which will inform the future management of the lands and all the features of the Park.