Government must act immediately to acquire Luggala Estate lands

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has called on the State to acquire the 4,000 acres of uplands surrounding the Luggala Estate to ensure that the area continues to be open to the public for recreational use.

Teachta Brady said "I believe that its in both the national and public's interest that the State acquire the Luggala Estate that is on the market for the last year.The Luggala Estate is bordered on three sides by the Wicklow National Park. Over the last number of weeks up to 10 signs have appeared along the roadside stating that the Luggala Estate lands are "private property". This has again raised serious concerns that public access on the lands of the estate will be curtailed if a private sale of the land occurs, so there is now a sense of urgency that the Government act immediately to acquire the lands."

"The Luggala Estate has been on the market with a quoted price tag of €28 million since last year, when it first came on the market I called on the Government to purchase the estate. The National Parks and Wildlife Service also recommended that the State purchase 4,000 of the estate. I believe that a the upland within the estate could be negotiated for a greatly reduced amount."

Teachta Brady concluded "The Luggala Estate has been widely used by the public and has some fantastic walking routes, including one to Lough Dan. The Government and Minister Madigan must act immediately before this jewel that would be a fantastic addition to the Wicklow National Park is lost."