The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has reached an agreement to acquire 4,900 acres of land in Dublin Uplands, as known as the Featherbeds.

The land will be added to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of the National Park to 22,000 hectares.

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring TD, said: "I am very pleased to announce the expansion of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their 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.

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"This outcome is the culmination of a constructive engagement between the Department and NAMA and addresses a long-standing strategy to align key environmental assets. I believe an exceptional opportunity has been realised for the State in terms of the environmental gain and the amenity potential."

(CD/JP)