Government Facing Renewed Pressure To Purchase Land Near The Glen Of The Downs

A new campaign group has been set up calling on the state to buy land near the Glen of the Downs.

Environmental campaigners have noted the site, which went for sale at the end of last year, could be used to double the area of Kindlestown Woods.

Residents have formed the group "Neighbours for Nature",  which is dedicated to developing a biodiversity plan for lands in the area.

The move comes as Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore renews her call for State to purchase lands adjoining the Glen of the Downs, which could more than double its size.

Last October she presented a petition to the then Taoiseach, Simon Harris, which contained just under 5,000 signatures supporting calls for the 197-acre site to purchased for public use.

In a statement Deputy Whitmore said “

The commitment to nature shown by the community of the Glen of the Downs is incredible,” said Deputy Whitmore.

“The community along Ballydonagh Lane is doing incredible work, and many of them are already actively engaging in rewilding their land. In fact, one local has already planted 40,000 native trees on her land with the help of Reforest Nation and EcoSikh Ireland.

“The government must follow the leadership shown by these local landowners and step in and purchase the lands currently up for sale adjoining the Glen of the Downs to maximise the biodiversity potential of the area and ensure that this community’s hard work is not in vain.”