‘A rare and precious gem’ – Noonan announces plans for new nature reserve in Kilkenny

Some 165 acres of land around the Cullahill Mountain Special Area of Conservation (SAC) has been designated as Kilkenny’s newest nature reserve.

The establishment of Gale’s Hill Nature Reserve will bring the number of Nature Reserves in the county to five. The others are Ballykeeffe Wood Nature Reserve, Fiddown Island Nature Reserve, Garryricken Woods Nature Reserve and Kyledohir Wood Nature Reserve.

The announcement was made by Heritage Minister and local TD Malcom Noonan at an event in the Butler Gallery in Kilkenny city today.

Minister Noonan said: “Under this Government, we have transformed the National Parks and Wildlife Service, increased its funding by 170% and created new National Parks for the first time in over 25 years. Today, I am proud to announce my intention to further increase the State’s network of protected places by creating a new Nature Reserve here in Kilkenny in a site of high ecological significance.

“Gale’s Hill is a rare and precious gem. It is home to nationally important species-rich grassland habitats, and features an amazing selection of wild native plants, rare invertebrates like the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly and unique fungi, such as waxcap mushrooms, as well as a host of bird species. At a time when 30% of our semi-natural grasslands have been lost in the past 10 years, this represents a hugely valuable investment.”

Mr Noonan said the site “has been managed in a low-intensity, traditional manner for many years and has not been subject to agricultural improvement through the use of artificial fertilisers or re-seeding”.

And he added: “It is my hope that it will be an opportunity for the state to demonstrate how farmland can be managed for nature. I have no doubt that it will provide a wonderful resource for the local community, as well as for wildlife enthusiasts from near and far.”

The Green Party local was visiting Kilkenny today to confirm funding for works to improve public access and safety at Ballykeeffe Nature Reserve, a popular oak-ash woodland that is located just 12km from the city.

Mr Noonan said: “Ballykeeffe Wood Nature Reserve is much loved by the people of Kilkenny where all can enjoy the wonders of a mature native woodland, be it the bluebells in Spring or the amazing autumnal colours that we have at the moment. However public access and safety has long been a concern, and I’m delighted that we are now in a position to increase capacity for visitors, including bicycle parking, as well as providing a much safer exit to the public road by improving sightlines. In addition, we will be working to enhance public engagement with the Nature Reserve, including local biodiversity events.”