Taoiseach Receives Petition Calling For Purchase Of Land Near Glen Of The Downes

Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has presented An Taoiseach with almost 5,000 signatures to her petition, which calls on the Government to purchase 200 acres of land that lies between Kindlestown Forest and the Glen of the Downs.

The Social Democrats Deputy has been campaigning for months now to see this land brought into public ownership and for the Glen of the Downs to be extended as a result.

An Taoiseach welcomed the petition and has advised he will arrange a meeting of the National Parks Service soon to discuss the matter.

Speaking after the interaction Deputy Whitmore said:

“I was delighted to present this petition to An Taoiseach on Tuesday in the Dáil. The tremendous support my campaign to extend the Glen of the Downs has garnered is really encouraging. When I first heard that this land was up for sale, I knew it was a once in a lifetime chance for us to extend the Glen of the Downs and make a major investment in the ancient woodland.

“We have petitioned, canvassed, and held public meetings on this issue for months now and I am glad that Government are now listening to the people of Wicklow, and beyond, who have recognised the value this project will bring to the area.

“I was very grateful to An Taoiseach for taking the time to accept the petition, and I am heartened to hear that he will be arranging a meeting with the National Park Services soon. I look forward to joining him at that meeting and working together going forward on this project.

“I also want to thank everyone who has gotten behind this campaign. This has gotten both local, and national, support as people recognise the national importance of the Glen of the Downs. In fact, several national environmental groups recently wrote an open letter to Minister Malcolm Noone outlining the ecological value this purchase would have."

“Our hard work on the ground in Wicklow is paying off and Government are now paying attention. I hope that soon we will be able to see positive progress. I will of course keep the pressure on Government to make this investment in the months to come.”