State purchases substantial extra lands at Mayo conservation site

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has purchased an additional 67 acres of lands in the vicinity of Moorehall and Lough Carra, it has been confirmed to Mayo TD Alan Dillon.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said the acquisition, consolidating the State’s landholding at the location, will be managed for nature conservation and a public amenity.

Lough Carra is the largest marl lake in Ireland and is part of the Great Western Lakes complex.

It covers over 1,500 hectares and is joined to Lough Mask by the Keel River.

It has many islands and a shoreline of bays and promontories, all on a bedrock of limestone.

The lake is an internationally important scientific and nature conservation site, largely in state ownership and it is designated a special area of conservation and a special protection area.