Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady has renewed his call on Minister Christopher O’Sullivan to intervene and secure the 1,527-acre landholding in the Wicklow Mountains, including the summit of Lugnaquilla, for public ownership.
Deputy Brady’s renewed call comes five months after the lands were put up for auction, and a public petition calling for the site to be secured for the public good has now gathered 3,200 signatures, demonstrating the strength of public support for protecting this iconic landscape.
Teachta Brady said:
“Five months have passed since these lands went up for auction, and I am once again calling on the Minister to act to ensure they are secured for the public good.
“The response to the petition, which has now reached 3,200 signatures, clearly demonstrates the strength of public feeling on this issue.
“People recognise the importance of protecting our natural heritage, preserving this iconic landscape and ensuring these lands remain accessible to the public.
“The Wicklow Mountains, including Lugnaquilla, are among our most treasured natural landscapes. This 1,527-acre landholding presents a significant opportunity to expand existing State-owned lands, safeguard public access and support the restoration of nature.
“I have previously written to the Minister urging the State to intervene and purchase these lands.
“The opportunity to secure such an important part of our natural heritage for future generations must not be allowed to pass us by.
“The EU Nature Restoration Law further underlines the importance of restoring and protecting
our natural environment.
“Bringing these lands into public ownership would provide a valuable opportunity to contribute to that work while protecting a landscape of immense natural and recreational value.
“These lands should not be viewed simply as a commodity, and here is a clear and compelling public interest in protecting them, preserving their natural value and ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“Five months have passed since the auction, yet the need for action remains. I am calling on Minister O’Sullivan to clearly set out what steps the Government is prepared to take to secure these lands for public ownership.
“The 3,200 people who have signed this petition have sent a clear message: they want these lands protected for the public good.
“I will continue to press the Minister to respond to that demand and to ensure this opportunity is not lost.
“Lugnaquilla and its surrounding lands deserve to be protected. Securing them for the public good must remain a priority.”
ENDS
Petition: https://c.org/R2gF9qXVgV