Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 567: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop a wilderness park in the north midlands (details supplied); the progress to date on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/07]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 577: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop a wilderness park in the north midlands (details supplied); the progress to date on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13992/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 577 together.

I understand that a local community group in the midlands has developed a proposal to establish what it calls a 'National Wetlands Wilderness Park' in the cutaway area of the Bord Na Móna-owned Mount Dillon group of bogs. With an estimated 80,000 hectares of cutaway Bord na Móna bog to become available by 2050, I very much welcome any arrangement between Bord na Móna and local groups to restore the natural and amenity value of harvested bogs. Such an arrangement already exists at Lough Boora, County Offaly.

The Mount Dillon land concerned is not currently prioritised for designation under the Wildlife Acts or the relevant European Directives. Accordingly, its management would not be appropriate to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Nevertheless, officials from my Department have met with the committee several times to learn more about the proposal and to assist and liaise on relevant nature conservation issues.