Kerry's "stunning" Conor Pass is now available to buy for €10 million, but Government should act quickly to secure it for the Irish people.
That's according to Councillor Breandáin Fitzgerald, who was speaking to Moncrieff after the world-famous landmark hit the market this afternoon.
As one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland, The Conor Pass provides a scenic way to travel from the north to south coast of the Dingle Peninsula through narrow, twisting roads.
The pass is currently owned by an American individual, who previously tried to sell the land in the early 2000s, according to Cllr Fitzgerald.
"When the world economy crashed, he decided not to sell it then – so, he's putting it up for the market again," he said.
The Kerry councillor said the road has attracted a lot of tourists to the area – who have the scenic route on their "bucket list".
"When they come down into the town, the first thing they want to do is go to the pub and have a drink because it is very narrow," he said.
In light of this, Cllr Fitzgerald said the State should consider purchasing the Conor Pass.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We're talking about rewilding and rewetting and restoration and climate – you have over 15,00 acres of land, forestry, grazing land that is available," he said.
"It would be a miss of the State not to look at acquiring it for the people of Ireland.
"The opportunities are vast for it – it is a chance for the State to come in, take the opportunity, and buy this land."
The Conor Pass in County Kerry, Ireland ( Robert Preston Photography / Alamy Stock Photo)Cllr Fitzgerald said the land is protected and is subject to special area conservation.
"There will be no bungalows or there will be no vast developments of houses," he said.
"It would be part of protecting it for future generations.
"There are many different trails and many different passes and there are many different walks there.
"An awful lot of people use it, just for that getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
"I definitely would be advising the State –when there is a possibility to purchase this land – to either do a national park or walk with it – use it for the people of Ireland."
