Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2019
15. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to further designate land for national parks and nature reserves; her further plans to expand public access to reasonable and proximate quality open space; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8688/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware some 14 per cent of the terrestrial area of the State is already designated. Through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, my Department manages a property portfolio in respect of National Parks and Reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. It is responsible for the 6 National Parks and 80 statutory Nature Reserves. The Department keeps the extent and coverage of the National Parks under ongoing review.
These important biodiversity areas are located all around the country. In 2016 my Department completed the purchase of 5,000 hectares of lands in Glenasmole. The area, known popularly as the Featherbeds, has been added to Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of this National Park to some 22,000 hectares. The lands referred to are thus being managed as part of Wicklow Mountains National Park. 93% of this acquisition lies within the Wicklow Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA), while it is in very close proximity to the Glenasmole Valley SAC. SACs and SPAs are the most important wildlife and habitat conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as Irish level.
The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their acquisition at a cost of approximately €163 per acre represents excellent value for the state, not just in terms of value for money but also in terms of the amenity potential, conservational benefits and environmental gains.
In late 2017 the Department announced the expansion of Ballycroy National Park to include the area known as Wild Nephin, expanding the total size of the National Park to over 15,000 hectares. This expansion is the result of a long-standing collaborative project between Coillte and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The transfer of this property not only consolidates the National Park area but provides excellent opportunities for the future development of the Park, including improved access and trails, as well as other significant enhancements to the visitor experience at “Wild Nephin” on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Nephin land bank is contiguous with both the existing Ballycroy National Park boundaries but also the property at Altnabrockey which was purchased during 2017.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service will now manage the area and a public amenity conversion plan will be put in place. Overall, the project reflects the on-going commitment of all stakeholders to improve the recreational potential of this area whilst ensuring the highest standards of nature conservation.
The Department makes strategic land purchases from time to time in order to consolidate its sites. In that regard the Deputy is well aware of my position in relation to Lugalla. These purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
Their acquisition by the State is a sign of our enduring commitment to preserve our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
