Govt Urged To Acquire Land For Sale At Chonair

The Government is being urged to consider acquiring land for sale at An Chonair, also known as the Conor Pass, in West Kerry.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, described the land as a "gem of the West Kerry Gaeltacht".

He said: "It is not often that almost 1,400 acres of outstanding natural beauty come up for sale.

"The Conor Pass is a gem of the West Kerry Gaeltacht in terms of both cultural and natural heritage as the gateway to Corca Dhuibhne. The land in question encompasses three lakes, significant forestry, agricultural and mountain grazing, as well as valleys, waterfalls and breath-taking views.

"There will, no doubt, be significant interest from overseas and from private interests to take up possession from the current American owner.


"However, it would be remiss of the Irish State not to examine the possibility of obtaining the land for the people, to safeguard this unique landscape for future generations.

"Not only is the site of national importance in terms of tourism and as an amenity for the local community of Corca Dhuibhne and County Kerry.

"The opportunity also presents itself as a prime location for developing a new national park and engaging in the type of rewilding and nature conservation that is often discussed but rarely put into practice by Government.

"It is 25 years since we established our last national park at Nephin in County Mayo, and it is a disappointment that despite being in Government for 6 and a half of those years, the Green Party have shown no interest in developing new national parks elsewhere in the State.

"We now have a perfect chance at showing a bit of ambition and securing ownership of the Conor Pass and its surrounds for the people of Ireland.

"Sinn Féin is calling on the responsible Ministers – Darragh O'Brien as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Catherine Martin as Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – to work together and engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the local community in Corca Dhuibhne to gage their needs and examine if the State could step in and buy the land."