Govt buys more than 5,000 acres to extend Wicklow Mountains National Park

The Wicklow Mountains National Park is getting an extension.

The Department of Arts and Heritage has purchased almost 5,000 acres in the Featherbeds area for €800,000.

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring, says the area was important for nature conservation and public amenity.

It brings the total size of the National park to more than 54,000 acres.