Auctioneer Stephen Barry from Raymond Potterton Auctioneers, Navan, is handling the sale of a somewhat unusual property in the west of Ireland.

Extending to 1,787 acres, the property is situated in the heart of Co Mayo, just 17 miles from Belmullet with an address at Ballycroy, Bangor Erris, Co Mayo. But it’s not your normal grazing lowland or mountain farm – it’s almost 1,800 acres of bog that, with the exception of having a drainage system, has remained relatively underdeveloped for a long number of years.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that a Norwegian-based company drained the bog about 35 years ago by installing a range of deep channels.

At the time, the company was endeavouring to create a peat and coal fuel product while also growing a special type of grass for biomass. This project, however, was relatively short-lived and the entire portfolio, which included a factory premises, was bought by a private investor a number of years later.

It’s understood the current owner did submit an application for wind turbines on the land but this initiative failed to materialise.

Today, a total of 1787 acres is being offered for sale. Set out in one massive block, the bog contains the same drainage channels that were installed over 35 years ago, which are reported to be in good, sound order. The bog fronts the main N59 Galway/Sligo road while also having access along a gravelled lane.

Surrounded by a large forestry plantation, one of the most obvious uses for the land would be for forestry, provided it is suitable for trees and meets the relevant planting approval. The appropriate infrastructure would, however, have to be put in place. There are also suggestions that the property may suit a solar or some other renewable energy project, especially given the sheer scale and scope of the land.

While much of the peat has been harvested, the selling agent reports that there is still plenty of peat left on the bog.

It’s understood that the majority of the interest to date is emanating from both Irish and European-based parties that have an interest in forestry. For sale by auction in the sales room of Raymond Potterton Auctioneers, Navan, on 4 April next at 3pm, the property will be offered in one lot only at a guide price of €1.3m.

Prime location outside Clane

An interesting piece of land located on the outskirts of Clane, Co Kildare, will go under the hammer in exactly two weeks’ time. Situated across the road from the gates of Millicent golf club, the property extends to circa 16.5 acres and is expected to generate interest from farmers, hobby farmers, equestrian enthusiasts and from those eager to build a one-off house, over the next fortnight.

Just over half a mile from Clane, the land is laid out in a single-16.5-acre field, features excellent road frontage and is described as “super free-draining land”. Given its proximity to the town, it’s suggested the field would make a super site for a house, subject to the appropriate planning permission.

Selling agent Philip Byrne from REA Coonan Auctioneers, Maynooth and Celbridge, will auction the property on 6 April next in the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, at 3pm. The guide is in the region of €10,000/acre.