Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
788. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of plans to deliver a national park in County Meath; the progress made in this regard since lands were purchased at Dowth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/25]
View answerThe lands purchased at Dowth in December 2023 form the new National Park, Brú na Boinne National Park, which made it the seventh national park in Ireland at the time. Subsequently Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí became our eighth national park.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in partnership with the National Monuments Service (NMS) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are working together to prepare a Masterplan for the entire property, which comprises a suite of important archaeological monuments, Dowth House, Netterville Manor and other outbuildings, an important designed landscape and a range of habitats including mixed woodland, scrub, riparian wetland and grassland with an extensive complement of flora and fauna.
A new Park Manager was appointed by the NPWS in 2024 to oversee the operations of Brú na Boinne National Park as well as the development of the Masterplan This Masterplan will seek to provide a conceptual overview and strategic thinking on how to develop the National Park, within the World Heritage Property, and promote an understanding of the Park’s significance as one of Ireland’s foremost important cultural and natural heritage sites. The draft will be issued for public consultation and stakeholder engagement. One of the requirements is to ensure community involvement in the development of the Masterplan including community consultation throughout the process. The Masterplan will guide decision-making for the sensitive conservation, development and management of Brú na Bóinne National Park into the future.
