‘Blank canvass’ of 1,787 acres for sale in Mayo

ONE OF the largest blocks of land to come on the market in recent years will go to auction early next month.

The 1,787ac of bog is located a Ballycroy, Bangor Erris, Co Mayo, close to Belmullet Peninsula.

The extensive holding was drained a number of years ago with a view to establishing a fuel business; however, this venture nev- er took off and the property was left untouched once more.

A guide price of €1.3m or €727/ac is being quoted for the lands, which Stephen Barry of Raymond Potterton Auctioneers in Navan, Co Meath insists should attract significant interest.

The lands, which are located 6km from Bangor Erris and 28km from Belmullet, were formerly owned by Norwegian fuel company Hydro Energi, and earmarked as a resource for the development of a smokeless coal and peat fuel product that would be produced in nugget form.

The company completely drained the lands but, when the fuel plans fell through, the property was left idle.

The surrounding lands are planted in forestry, but this portion was left untouched until it was eventually bought by a local businessman.

Some in the local prop- erty sector are puzzled as to what could be done with land such as this.

Ballina-based auctioneer Karl Fox says forestry companies are buying better land for planting nowadays and are willing to pay up to €5,000/ac for it.

“They want to buy land that will grow trees with the minimum input,” he said.

However, Stephen Barry maintained there would be plenty of customers for a block of land of this size.

While the area is remote, Barry said its unspoilt, natural beauty was striking.

He said there were a number of possible uses including renewable energy, forestry or for leisure pursuits.

“It’s a blank canvass for anyone willing to invest in a huge parcel of ground,” Mr Barry said.

The property goes to auction on Tuesday, April 4