High hopes in Kerry for new national park as Government ministers set to visit next week

Hopes are high in West Kerry that a major announcement to be made by Government Ministers on Monday will relate to the State acquisition of land at the world-famous Conor Pass.

Two separately owned tracts of land close to Dingle came on the market last year, with the State urged to buy the lands to develop the region as a tourist amenity and national park.

While there has been no official confirmation that the state has purchased the lands, it is understood that both tracts were being examined by the state and discussions had taken place about the purchase of same.

It is now understood that both land tracts have been sold and in West Kerry it is widely hoped that the entire region will be developed as a National Park.

Owenmore Fishery is compromised of 480 acres, and includes nine lakes and a fishery known for its salmon and trout and The Kerryman understands that the state has purchased this land.

The second tract of land includes the Conor Pass and some of the highest lakes in Kerry including Pedlar’s Lake, Lough Doon, Lough Atlea and Lough Beirne. Pedlar’s Lake is one of the most popular tourist and hiking sites in Kerry.

This entire landbank comprises 561.3 hectares (1,387 acres) and is a mixture of woodland, grazing and the lakes and negotiations are being finalised on the sale of this, The Kerryman understands.

Fianna Fáil councillor for the Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District, Breandán Fitzgerald, had advocated for the State to purchase both landbanks and create a new national park for Kerry.

He said that this would be of huge benefit to West Kerry but also to the entire county.

He says he is ‘hopeful’ good news is on the horizon for the county and for West Kerry next week. He said there will be benefits to the entire region including the smaller villages of Cloghane, Annascaul and Castlegregory.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD will travel to Dingle on Monday.

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