We, the undersigned call on the Minister to act immediately to secure the purchase of the Lugnaquilla landholding in the Wicklow Mountains.

An auction passed on the 1st of May, disappointingly without any meaningful intervention from the State.

However,  a second golden opportunity now exists for the State to act.

The Minister must step in and engage directly with the sellers -- this does not need to go to auction again, the Government can act now to secure this land for the public.

This 1,527-acre parcel of land, which includes the summit of Lugnaquilla, represents a massive opportunity for the State to protect and preserve one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes.

At a guide price of €2 million, significantly reduced from its previous valuation, this acquisition offers exceptional value.

We again urge the Minister to act swiftly and decisively in this matter.