Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
610. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans in respect of an estate (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if her attention has been drawn to the potential of the amenity for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31570/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), manages a property portfolio in respect of national parks and reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. These important biodiversity areas are located all around the country. The current focus of capital investment within the National Parks and Nature Reserves, is on managing existing Parks and Reserves' lands, as well as upgrading visitor and trails facility as part of Experiencing the Wild Heart of Ireland a Tourism Interpretative Master Plan for the National Parks and Reserves. As the Deputy is already aware, my Department has no direct role in the sale process of the estate in question as it is a commercial matter between the owners of the property and any parties interested in the purchase. While the estate in question would be a significant addition to my Department’s stock of publicly owned heritage lands, I could only consider acquiring this property if the price fell to within a certain range, or in the context of a donation or bequest. This is known to the vendors.
