Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has again called on Minister Christopher O’Sullivan to intervene and purchase a substantial landholding in the Wicklow Mountains, including the summit of Lugnaquilla, which is due to go to auction this Friday, 1st of May.
Brady’s call coincides with this week’s launch of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration which highlighted the need for the State to invest hundreds of millions every year to restore nature.
Last week, Deputy Brady launched a petition which has already garnered over 2,000 signatures, as well as writing to the Minister to request immediate action in relation to the Lugnaquilla lands.
Thus far, only an acknowledgement of receipt has been received from the Minister, with no substantive reply issued.
Teachta Brady said:
“Time is running out and we could see this massive opportunity lost.
“The selling agent has already indicated there is global interest in the land, including from buyers in the Middle East.
“It would be unconscionable for such a treasured asset to pass into foreign ownership.
“The Wicklow Mountains, including the Wicklow Mountains National Park are among Ireland’s most stunning and important landscapes, and this represents an opportunity to add to the existing State lands.
“This acquisition would not only protect public access but also align with Ireland’s obligations under the EU Nature Restoration Law – as starkly highlighted in the release of the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration’s report today.
“This land should not be treated as a commodity to be sold to the highest international bidder.
“I wrote to the Minister last week to demand action, but have yet to receive a substantive reply.
“We’re now down to the last 24 hours, I would urge the Minister to act quickly and decisively.
“The right decision here is clear – this land belongs in public ownership.
ENDS
Link to petition: https://c.org/R2gF9qXVgV