The announcement of a housing development for 860 acres situated between Lucan and Castleknock in West Dublin has sparked a call to protect biodiversity across the country.

Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie called for a balance between securing areas of natural heritage while building much needed homes.

"The Liffey Valley is officially recognised by the Department of the Environment and Climate Action as a Special Amenity Area, an area of exceptional natural heritage and special recreational value, like North Bull Island and Howth Head," said Senator Currie.

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"I have consistently called for the Liffey Valley to be enhanced as a National Park, stretching from Island Bridge to St Catherine's Park in Lucan and Kildare, taking in the Strawberry Beds, its hidden weirs, Shackleton's Mill, St Edmondsbury lands and the old Silver Bridge between Farmleigh and Palmerstown built in the 1800's.

"This could be achieved by Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council working together.

"I fully accept more homes are needed. We urgently need more housing and there are areas in West Dublin that can and should be used, including Kellystown and Barnhill Local Area Plans, Hansfield and Clonburris Strategic Development Zones.

"But there are also lands that need to be protected. An area that is recognised as a Special Amenity Area must remain so.

"Let's build more homes, but also, let's protect our heritage and areas of outstanding beauty for future generations."