The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has finalised the purchase of 4,900 acres of the Dublin Uplands, in the area known as the Featherbeds at a cost of €800,000.

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

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Mr. Michael Ring TD said: "I am very pleased to announce the expansion of the Wicklow MountainsNational Park. The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their acquisition at a cost of approximately €163 per acre represents excellent value for the state, not just in terms of value for money but also in terms of the amenity potential, conservational benefits and environmental gains. The purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy. 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."

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(CD)