State purchase of 2,000 hectares of land in the Dublin Mountains to expand Wicklow Mountains National Park – Doyle

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and Minister for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Andrew Doyle has welcomed the news that the state is buying 2,000 hectares of land in the Dublin Mountains, to expand Wicklow Mountains National Park.

“For some time now I have been in discussions with the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring on this issue and have continuously pointed out the need for the state to purchase these lands.

“I’m delighted to hear the news today that these 2,000 hectares in the Dublin Mountains, in the area known as the Featherbeds, will be bought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service from the National Asset Management Agency and added to the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

“I’d like to commend Minister Ring for this move, which I am confident will prove to be great value for the state.

“This is really good news for everyone in Wicklow and Dublin and surrounding counties, and all those who love to visit this beautiful part of the country.

“The purchase makes Wicklow Mountains National Park one of the biggest national parks in Europe and means that a large area of the Dublin Mountains will now be protected for us all to enjoy for generations to come.”