150. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he would consider purchasing the land at Lugnaquilla, County Wicklow on behalf of the residents of County Wicklow, noting the importance of this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31063/26]

162. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has prepared a business case for the purchase of 1,500 acres of land at Aghavannagh Mountain in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31326/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 162 together.

As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government recognises the importance of continuing to support the ongoing expansion and resourcing of our National Parks.

To this end, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, the executive agency with responsibility to Protect Nature, occasionally purchases land for strategic and conservation purposes. Such acquisitions are always carefully considered on a case by case basis and in line with public procurement requirements. In light of the commercial sensitivity of these considerations and the strategic implications of bringing these considerations into the public domain, I am not in a position to comment on any individual site that is offered for sale.