Wicklow Mountains National Park Is Set To Be Expanded By 2,000 Hectares

The Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, has just today announced that almost 2,000 hectares of land in the Dublin Mountains will be bought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service from the National Asset Management Agency.

The area itself, known locally as The Featherbeds, has been bought by The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who have reached a settlement with NAMA.

The expansion will mean that the national park in Wicklow will be nearly 22,000 hectares in size, making it one of the biggest national parks in Europe.

The Minister said that the "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".

State agree to buy Dublin Mountain lands from NAMA. Final price understood to be less than €1M. @rtenews

— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) August 3, 2016

H/T Rte.ie.

READ NEXT: PICS: This Parking Job At A Petrol Station In Wicklow Will Make Your Blood Boil