Nearly €1.4m Spent To Expand Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve

The site was previously owned by Coillte. The acquisition will allow commercial forestry to be gradually replaced with native woodland, helping to restore rare sessile oak habitat

The State has spent almost €1.4 million on more than 100 acres of land beside the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve in County Wicklow. The purchase paves the way for a major expansion of one of Ireland’s oldest protected sites.

The land was bought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service for €1.375 million. Three independent valuations put its average value closer to €1.16 million. Officials say the higher price reflects its potential development value, including the possibility of a golf course. Internal documents however note no shortage of golf courses in the area - some have even closed in recent years.

The purchase is described as good value for money and strategically important. The land is already popular with walkers and visitors.

The acquisition supports Ireland’s commitments under the EU Nature Restoration Law. A long-term management plan is currently being prepared.

Established in 1980, the Glen of the Downs was one of Ireland’s first nature reserves.

The new lands increase its size by 68 per cent, from 146 to 246 acres. While the full transformation will take decades, visible changes to the landscape are expected within the coming years.