andMr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Lands if, arising from the Report Tourism in Ireland East commissioned by the Eastern Regional Tourism Organisation, he intends to introduce amending legislation to ensure that the Wicklow mountain area is declared a National Park.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - County Wicklow Forest Park.
88.
Virtually all the areas acquired by the Forestry Division in County Wicklow and future acquisitions in that county, will lend themselves readily to incorporation in forest parks. Plans for the establishment of a forest park in the Glendalough region have already been announced and further areas will be so designated in due course.
Amendment of legislation is not necessary for the establishment of forest parks but some minor strengthening of the forestry Acts will be required in connection with the making of bye-laws.
Is the Minister aware that several areas of land in Co. Wicklow have been purchased by foreign nationals and will he take steps, as a matter of urgency, to introduce the necessary bye-laws to deal with the matter?
I have not any information with regard to that but I will refer it to the Minister for Lands.
May we urge the Minister to take stringent, immediate action on this matter?