John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which the State proposes to utilise the lands at Glenasmole-Featherbeds which were purchased recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7542/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The lands referred to will be managed as part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

While the lands will be primarily managed for Nature Conservation, other uses such as recreation will be considered where compatible with the Park’s Nature Conservation objectives. Given the high conservation value and sensitivity of the Blanket Bog and Heathland habitats, provision of high volume recreational uses with visitor facilities and other supporting infrastructure is unlikely.

As the lands in question are located in Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) there are already constraints and obligations placed on landowners, the State included, on how the lands are used.

In addition, the legal rights and burdens such as Grazing, Sporting  and Turbary rights held by individuals have to be respected and will be considered within the management options available to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.