Housing Department says purchase of Kerry lands included additional access not included in local valuations

The Department of Housing says average land valuations don’t always incorporate nature and ecological land values.

The statement was provided in response to reports it purchased lands in Beaufort by over €100,000 more than was valued by local auctioneers.

According to the Irish Independent, the Department paid €550,000, via the NPWS, for a 300acre site at Gearhameen, Beaufort, in 2023.

The report also states it purchased land at Derrycunnihy, Muckross in 2022, for €475,000; despite the land being valued at €325,000 and €350,000 respectively by auctioneers in the county.

The department noted the final prices paid covers additional rights of way that give access to Killarney National Park – which was not included in local valuations.