A rally has taken place at the top of the Conor Pass in the Corca Dhuibhne peninsula in West Kerry, calling on the Government to enter negotiations to buy the iconic 1,400 acres of land surrounding the mountain pass and turn it into a national park.
The rally was organised by Uplift, an online campaign group which says it represents over 340,000 people who want progressive change across Ireland.
The rally was attended by around a dozen people, with signs calling for the purchase and nationalisation of the land.
Spokeswoman Siobhán O'Donoghue told RTÉ News: "We want Minister Malcolm Noonan to do all he can, to use the resources of the State to take the Conor Pass into public ownership and turn it into a national park.
"We know he is making efforts to do what he can. We believe he is very supportive, but he needs to feel that the full pressure and support of the public is behind him.
"There is a real appetite from the public to do this and to explore the full potential of what's possible, from re-wilding to eco tourism."
The land surrounds a narrow, winding mountain pass above Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle) and consists of 1,400 acres in total, including 400 acres of mature forest.
It's US-based owner, Mike Noonan, announced in August that he was selling the land.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said at the time the Government would be interested in speaking to Mr Noonan with a view to purchasing the land.
However, he insisted that the State would not pay the full €10 million that was being sought for it.
Speaking in August, Mr Varadkar said he would like to see Ireland's national parks extended, but that a "reasonable" price would have to be agreed.
Mr Noonan, whose family is originally from outside Tipperary, began buying land in the area about 25 years ago, first in forestry and then "more scenic land".
This evening Heritage Minister Malcolm told RTÉ News: "The National Parks and Wildlife Service buys land of high value for nature from time to time, often to expand nature reserves and national parks.
"Obviously, I can't comment on any specific site that is up for sale. However, I will say that the Conor Pass is already a protected habitat under European law and is in need of conservation for nature, irrespective of who owns it."
