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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Views from Glenade Valley. Photo by Marie Conboy.
Nature Regional Landscape Parks exist in 22 European countries, with almost 900 designated parks. These parks aim to protect natural landscapes, promote sustainable development and agriculture, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage eco tourism - all while allowing for human use and recreation.
Collectively, the parks cover about eight percent of the European Union, and are considered essential for conserving biodiversity and landscapes. Despite Ireland’s extensive forestry and parklands, it currently has no designated Nature Regional Landscape Parks.
Addressing a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Justin Warnock highlighted the importance of exploring the creation of such a park in North Leitrim, potentially making it the first of its kind in Ireland. He first proposed the idea a decade ago.
“I think it’s to the benefit of North Leitrim. There are nearly 900 landscape parks across Europe, there’s none in Ireland and we have an opportunity,” he said.
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“We need to look at every opportunity that would benefit this district. This could be something that could be delivered,” he added.
Cllr Warnock inquired whether there had been any engagement with the North West Regional Assembly (NWRA) regarding a feasibility study for establishing a Europarc/Nature Regional Landscape Park in North Leitrim. He stated he would reach out to the NWRA himself to see what criteria is needed.
Believing the initiative could provide a “massive boost” to the area, he warned that delay could see another region in Ireland take the opportunity first.
“There’s a great future in North Leitrim for everyone if we go ahead with it,” he added.
The motion received backing from Cllr Gurn, Cllr Mitchell and Cllr Gilmartin.
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“I think it could be something that would really benefit the area going forward and create numerous micro businesses,” Cllr Gilmartin added.
Senior planner Bernard Greene confirmed he would reach out to the NWRA to further discuss the proposal.
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