The Minister of State for Regional Economic Development has confirmed 5,000 acres of land will be used to secure the extension of the National Park in Co Wicklow.

Minister Michael Ring TD announced that the government is currently in the final stages of buying land in the Wicklow Mountains.

Sinn Féin TD John Brady welcomed the announcement.

He said: "This is very positive news for the people of Wicklow and particularly, those living nearby who were concerned about these lands being sold to a private entity for possible development.

"I am delighted that Minister Ring has also confirmed that this land will be added to Wicklow National Park, Ireland's largest park.

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"This purchase will mean that Wicklow National Park will become one of the largest national parks in Europe."

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South West, John Lahart, said: "Having met with locals recently, I shared their concerns regarding the future use of the area which straddles the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains and is classified as moorland and mountain land and has extensive grazing rights. The area also has huge tourist potential and the capacity to attract significant tourist numbers if it is developed sensitively.

"As former chairperson of South Dublin County Council's Tourism Strategy Group, I am acutely aware of how important this land is as an amenity; to local people and visitors alike, due its vast expanse, seclusion and unspoiled habitat.

"I am relieved that following my correspondence with the Minister on the sale of the land, the Department has seized the opportunity to expand the Wicklow Mountains National Park into some of the picturesque lands in my constituency, known as the Featherbeds."

(CD)