State to purchase 67 hectares of land for new nature reserve in Co Kilkenny [Video]

PLANS FOR A new nature reserve in Co Kilkenny have been announced by the Government.

The State is to purchase just under 67 hectares (165 acres) of land within and adjacent to the Cullahill Mountain Special Area of Conservation in Kilkenny.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will acquire the land on behalf of the State, and it will be designated as the county’s newest nature reserve, Gale’s Hill Nature Reserve.

It will be the fifth nature reserve in Kilkenny. The others are Ballykeeffe Wood Nature Reserve, Fiddown Island Nature Reserve, Garryricken Woods Nature Reserve and Kyledohir Wood Nature Reserve.

Announcing the plans at an event in Kilkenny City today, Minister of State for Nature Malcolm Noonan described the site as a “haven for wildlife” and “a rare and precious gem”.

“It is home to nationally important species-rich grassland habitats, and features an amazing selection of wild native plants, …