Government Invests €1.4 Million to Expand Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve

The Government of Ireland has allocated nearly €1.4 million to acquire a 40-hectare tract of land aimed at expanding the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve in Co Wicklow. This decision follows three independent valuations that suggested an average value of approximately €1.16 million for the site. Despite these assessments, a higher purchase price was ultimately negotiated.

Discrepancies in valuations emerged, with one assessment estimating the land at just €800,000 due to its current use for commercial forestry. Another valuation suggested a potential worth of €1.2 million, while a third estimated it could reach as much as €1.5 million. An internal memo indicated that the higher values took into account the possibility of redeveloping the land into a golf course. Nevertheless, the memo cautioned that the area already suffers from an “overabundance” of golf courses, noting that several have closed, including one less than a kilometre from the site.

According to the memo, “The average valuation on the lands in question, in my view, reflects a more realistic value, as it places the lands somewhat over commercial forestry values.” It further emphasized that the location would enhance the land’s value, aligning with the strategic interests of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The submission regarding the purchase, put forth by Housing Minister James Browne, highlighted that acquiring the land would enhance access to the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve. This improvement is deemed particularly crucial for addressing health and safety concerns by facilitating easier access for emergency vehicles and NPWS staff.

The acquisition will not only expand the nature reserve but also transition the land back to native woodland, aiding Ireland in meeting its commitments under nature restoration legislation. The agreement confirmed a purchase price of €1.375 million for the land, which was previously owned by the semi-state forestry agency, Coillte.

One key point raised in the submission indicated that Coillte did not offer NPWS an opportunity to purchase these lands, nor did it seek any input from NPWS. The memo pointed out that this sale has resulted in the loss of access previously enjoyed by NPWS from Ballydonagh Lane, creating significant logistical challenges for the agency on this site.

With this acquisition, the nature reserve will grow by 68 percent, and the land is already a popular spot for public use. The submission also noted potential complications for private buyers due to rights of way issues concerning full access. Nonetheless, it argued that the site holds strategic value for the State and represents “value-for-money” in this purchase.

In response to inquiries about the deal, a spokesperson for the Department of Housing stated, “While the price paid is above the simple average valuation due to one outlier low valuation, it is well within the range of valuations received at the time.” The spokesperson emphasized that this strategic acquisition will facilitate the conversion of commercial timber forestry into native woodland over time, utilizing local seed sources and techniques such as continuous cover forestry to ensure a sensitive transition that protects vulnerable soils.