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The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has welcomed the use of strategic partnerships between the public and private sector as an important means to greater protect, develop and manage Ireland’s natural, built and cultural heritage.
Concluding a three day visit to County Mayo today, that included tours of Wild Nephin National Park, the historic Enniscoe estate on the shores of Lough Conn and other sites, the Minister officially participated in the signing of an agreements between Coillte, Mayo County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to further protect and develop over 550 acres of historic estates at Moorehall, Towerhill, Clonee and Derrinrush as a strategically important Nature Reserve and cultural heritage attraction.
The partnership will also allow the organisations to pursue greater funding opportunities to restore biodiverse habitats and support the restoration of the area’s built heritage in line with conservation objectives.
Minister Noonan said:
“Moorehall and the wider Lough Carra complex is a very special place that combines remarkable natural, built and cultural heritage. I am delighted to see Coillte, the local authority and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, coming together in a spirit of cooperation to protect these important historic estates and ensure that the heritage of the area is preserved not just for this generation but for future generations.
“This joined up approach is necessary to meet the significant challenges being presented by climate change and the current threats facing nature, biodiversity and protected species. I would also like to congratulate Mayo County Council on the approval of the LIFE Lough Carra Project, in which both Coillte and the Department are associated beneficiaries. This €5m project will focus fully on conserving habitats and species within the Europeans site around Lough Carra and on land management practices in parts of the catchment outside the Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Area, which are having damaging effects on the sensitive marl lake habitat.
He added the development and success of this proposal demonstrates the commitment of Mayo County Council, Coillte and the Department in working together to secure and protect heritage for future generations. He also commended a local family for their assistance.
Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte Forest also commented:
“Coillte are excited to be a key part of the development and protection of the Moorehall area through our four forest properties. We look forward to continuing our excellent working relationships with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Mayo County Council to deliver a key project for both Tourism and Biodiversity which is not just for the local community but also for the entire island of Ireland”.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Smith outlined:
“I am delighted to welcome Minister Noonan to Mayo and in particular to this historic site of Moore Hall. The signing of this MOU here today signifies the commitment across multiple agencies. The development of a strategic partnership between Mayo County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte, addresses a longstanding plan to preserve and develop a very important historic landscape, house and environment. I believe this partnership presents an exceptional opportunity in the areas of tourism, public amenity and cultural development to maximise the potential of Moorehall and the wider Lough Carra area in the years ahead”.
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)
Email: press@housing.gov.ie
Website: gov.ie/housing
Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL