Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following a meeting in February 2014 between my predecessor and Mountaineering Ireland, at which the question of lands near Wicklow Mountains National Park held by the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) was discussed, officials from my Department approached NAMA to discuss those lands, with a preliminary meeting held in April 2014. On foot of the meeting, my Department expressed an interest in acquiring the lands in question in early May.

NAMA responded by indicating that its Board had recommended that NAMA engage, where feasible, with other State bodies, where that body has expressed an interest in acquiring a property for a purpose specifically linked to its statutory function. NAMA further indicated that an independent market valuation should be sought and that there are occasion where an open marketing exercise may be required.

Between May 2014 and September 2015 there was intermittent contact with NAMA by officials from my Department. Discussions in August and September 2015 related to the valuation of the land in question.

I understand there have been recent media reports regarding the proposed sale by NAMA of 4,900 acres at Glenasmole, incorporating part of the area popularly known as ‘the Featherbeds’. I also understand a separate commercial property management firm is handling the sale and has advertised the property for sale by private treaty.

The majority of the land in question is designated as a Special Area of Conversation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Given its proximity to Wicklow Mountains National Park and its importance for nature conservation as an SAC and SPA, it is clear that it would make an important addition to the National Park. However, given the scare resources available for capital investment in our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the Parks and Reserves.