Sir, – Your very interesting article by Anthony King, ("Rewilding Europe", July 28th), referred to the the Wild Nephin Wilderness, initiated by Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as an example of how Ireland is contributing to this rewilding movement in Europe. The agencies have set aside more than 11,000 hectares as wilderness and should be complimented for their vision. However, the Wild Nephin Wilderness has no legal status and will continue to be under threat from potential future development, be that telecom masts, power lines, forestry, wind farms or inappropriate visitor facilities.
The Nephin Beg range is unique in Ireland as a relatively undeveloped landscape of scale. Giving legal status to the Wild Nephin Wilderness would protect this landscape as an area where nature prevails and human influence is minimal.
The land is in public ownership – albeit for different purposes – and the Government could mark our centenary by giving legal status to this unique landscape, protecting it as a wilderness area for future generations. – Yours, etc,
BILL MURPHY
Greystones,
Co Wicklow.