The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., has announced a partnership agreement with Enniscoe House in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo.
It will see the establishment of a new Nature Reserve on the site and a programme of joint management between the owners, the Kellet Family, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide for the conservation, education and enhancement of the estate.
The 17th Century Georgian manor estate, Enniscoe House stands in the shadow of the mount Nephin on the wooded shores of Lough Conn (Special Area of Conservation), just a few miles south of Crossmolina.
Nature Reserve
Along with being a Special Area of Conservation Lough Conn is designated a Special Protection Area under the birds Directive, where breeding Common Scoter, Common Gulls and overwintering White-fronted Geese are present. In addition, Lough Conn is a legally-protected Wildfowl Sanctuary under the Wildlife Acts. The rare Irish Red Squirrel was recorded in the woodlands in 2019.
The Minister of State for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan T.D. acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the Kellet family towards managing their lands for nature, heritage and community:
“I’m deeply impressed by what I’ve seen here at Enniscoe House – the Kellet family’s love and care for one of the great houses of the West over generations is inspiring. The efforts they have made to protect the cultural integrity of the buildings, the work done to develop a sustainable rural enterprise, and the ongoing initiatives to protect and enhance biodiversity on the site are all to be commended. I thank the Kellet family for their foresight in collaborating with the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Enniscoe. These partnerships will deliver benefits to communities, nature and our built and cultural heritage.”
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan T.D.
Susan Kellet who is the fourteenth generation to have owned and managed Enniscoe House commented:
“I am delighted to have entered into this Partnership with National Parks and Wildlife Service and Minister Noonan. It seems an excellent match between the work of NPWS and my own ambitions to preserve and enhance this unique corner of Mayo.”
Susan Kellett
Official opening of Loop walk
While in County Mayo The Minister of State paid a visit to Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park to officially open a new looped walk, which was funded under Rural Regeneration Development Fund of the Department of Rural & Community Development and Stimulus Funding.
Opening the trail the Minister of State said:
“I wish to commend the exceptional work of National Parks and Wildlife Service in developing this beautiful walk despite the challenges of the past year. Our network of National Parks are more important now than ever for the mental and physical health and wellbeing for communities, for climate action and for the protection and restoration of biodiversity. This new looped walk greatly enhances accessibility of the National Park and creates yet another opportunity for everyone to enjoy one of the most beautiful and remote parts of Ireland”.
Minister of State Malcolm Noonan T.D.
