Large blocks of land for sale in Ireland are rare. So the arrival of 800 acres to the market in Tipperary is one that will turn heads. The land at Killoran, Moyne, Co Tipperary, is home to the former Lisheen Mines, which ceased operations in 2015.

It is located close to the M8 near the border of hurling rivals Tipperary and Kilkenny. The original for sale signs placed on the property last October stated that 1,100 acres were for sale. However, selling agent Knight Frank says that the vendor is retaining 300 acres “as it’s part of the remediation process” after the mine closure.

The 800 acres that are being sold include a mixture of industrial and agricultural lands while there are also a number of outbuildings and residential dwellings situated across the holding. The land is being sold by Vedanta Zinc international, headquartered in South Africa, which carried out mining operations at Lisheen for some 17 years.

Since then the company implemented an environmentally sensitive mine closure and Vedanta has a good reputation in the local area.

Bioeconomy

The lands are officially designated as the National Bioeconomy Campus, with research carried out into renewables and high-value bio-based chemicals. For example, it is home to Glanbia’s research project on converting dairy byproducts to plastic.

There is significant scope to generate additional income

“Modern Demonstrator Region” status has been awarded by the European Commission to the area. It is one of only six regions in the EU granted such status.

The vendors are also in discussions with a number of other operators to set up facilities within the campus on land that will not form part of the land for sale.

Wind farm

Included in the sale is a wind farm comprising 18 wind turbines, subject to a long-term lease through which the incoming purchaser will benefit from the income stream.

Approximately half of the land (400 acres) is described as good arable land and is currently leased to dairy farmers in the area. However, the purchaser will have the option to buy it with vacant possession.

“It is rare that such an opportunity to acquire a substantial land holding of this scale with recurring income and existing accommodation is offered to the open market,” a spokesperson for selling agent Knight Frank said.

“There is significant scope to generate additional income through the National Bioeconomy Campus designation of the lands as well as the potential to expand existing renewable energy operations (subject to planning permission). We would anticipate strong interest from a wide range of investors and land speculators given the unique opportunity that the asset presents.”

Knight Frank is seeking offers in excess of €11m for the property, which is being offered in one lot. For further information, a dedicated property website/data room can be accessed via www.lisheenlandsale.com or alternatively, please contact James Meagher or Robert Wilson on +353 1 634 2466.

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