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Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Two Wicklow properties totalling over 90 acres to be sold at auction
Located in Ballymaghroe, 1.7km from the village of Knockananna, the expansive 58-acre property, which is fit for 'a range of agricultural uses' will be sold in one or more lots on June 18 at 12 pm. Comprising lands that are currently in grass and have good road frontage, the property is being offered in four lots. Lot 1 is c. 14.413 acres of good quality grassland with outbuildings, while Lot 2 (c. 17.385 acres) and Lot 3 (c. 26.353 acres) are suitable for rough grazing and have potential for forestry plantation, subject to the relevant planning permission, and Lot 4 is the entire. Noting that the property will 'suit a range of agricultural uses', offering level, easily accessible fields ideal for grazing or tillage, a spokesperson for Quinn Property said: 'The holdings` convenient location and natural layout make an attractive investment for both farming and future development potential. 'Planning for a residence may be achievable, subject to planning permission.' On June 27 at 11 am, a c. 35.6-acre forestry holding in Rosnastraw, 4km from Tinahely, will be sold at a guided price of €220,000 for the 'prime parcel of forestry land'. Featuring extensive road frontage onto the R748, the property is currently growing a crop of mature timber, comprising mainly Sitka Spruce and Scots Pine and a small quantity of Oak, with the Scots Pine planted in 2000 and the remainder in 1994. 'Due to the extensive road frontage, there may be site potential, subject to the relevant planning permission being obtained,' the Quinn Property spokesperson said. 'Whether you're an investor, conservationist, timber harvester, or outdoor enthusiast, this property offers abundant resources and endless potential.'
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Top 8: Low-caffeine hot drinks that taste good and may have health benefits
AS Feelgood celebrates its 25th anniversary, I am proud to say I have been part of it from the first edition. From the start, I've sought out products with minimal processing and outstanding flavour. This week, I am exploring unusual and intriguing hot beverages that are low in caffeine but offer an interesting experience. We have looked for drinks that taste good and may have health benefits. Cheerful Buddha Lion's Mane Mushroom Green tea (15 bags €6.49) is an example. Said to be good for the brain, increasing serotonin and dopamine, which can reduce anxiety and depression, but we found it lacked taste. We liked Yerba Mate CBSé Frutos de Bosque (a good value at €6.50 for 500g) from Three Spoons in Market Parade, Cork—an example of a good, tea-free fruit tisane. We can make delicious tisanes economically at home. Add a few branches of fresh thyme to a teapot, then add boiling water and infuse for 5 minutes. Drink as it is (it has savoury, almost meaty flavours) or add a slice of lemon, lime, or honey. Do the same with Scots Pine needles, which are available to buy (€2.50/bag) from the Robinson Farm stall on Cornmarket Street, Cork, every Saturday — a refreshing, warming drink that may help with spring colds and coughs. Clearpring Organic Japanese Kukicha 90g €5.97 Pictures: Chani Anderson. Organically grown roasted green tea twigs, stems, and leaves are first steamed, rolled, dried and aged before being roasted to reduce the caffeine content. Simmer with water in a saucepan for three minutes for a smooth, slightly rich, nutty flavour and aroma with none of the tannic edge of black tea. Delicious. Also available in teabags. We bought in Quay Co-op, Cork. Score: 9.5 Daffee Date Beans coffee 125g €5.99 Made from 'upcycled date beans', this drink contains nothing else and is caffeine-free. Already ground, it's suitable for coffee plungers and drip machines. We used a plunger and tried it black and as a frothy cappuccino. Both worked well, though the milk seemed to bring out the hint of date best. Otherwise, it tastes just like coffee. Score: 8 Sonnentor Turmeric Latte 60g €5.10 The blend of 53% organic turmeric, cinnamon, 15% ginger, cardamom and black pepper is delicious. A good mix of spices which have various health benefits. While it may seem expensive, a 2g level teaspoonful makes a full cup when added to your choice of milk. We bought in Quay Co-Op Cork. Score: 9 Cotswold Roasted dandelion coffee 100g €4.77 Just dandelion root here in branchy bits, which can be put into a coffee grinder to use in a percolator or coffee machine. We used an Aeropress and got a very good result when we added frothy milk. Black, it was less interesting, but tasters found little difference between it and regular coffee. From health food shops. Score: 9 Teapigs Lemon & ginger in fusion 15 bags 37.5g €4.95 No tea here, just 65% ginger, 25% lemongrass, 5% lemon peel, liquorice root. Deliciously fresh and vibrant with no sting from the ginger. A well-balanced product. Score: 8.5 Twinings Heartea 20 bags 40g €5.39 Nettle, hibiscus (24%), apple pieces, raspberry and other natural flavourings, rosemary, beetroot, honey, blackcurrant and thiamine make a pleasant, light drink (with no taste of nettles). Good as an iced tea in the months to come. Hopefully, it's good for the heart, too, as the name suggests. Score: 7.75 Chikko Not Coffee Organic Roasted Lupine 250g €6.99 These lupini beans are often salted and used as a snack with drinks. Here they are ground to make a caffeine-free drink, which is nutty and interesting. The lupin bean contains good fibre and protein, which could help lower cholesterol levels. We also liked the brand's Instant Chicory (150g €6.15), which, unusually for an instant coffee, has no additives, just ground chicory root. Good as cappuccino. From health food shops. Score: 9 M&S Defence 20 bags 40g €3.75 Warm flavours of orange and lemon, ginger, black pepper, with dried manuka honey added to help combat summer colds further. Of all the M&S offerings in this category, tasters liked this one best; the lemon and ginger version also went down well. This just edged out Niks Tea hemp chillout (15 bags, €5.75, Tesco), which contains rooibos, Tulsi herb, lemon balm, and more. Irish and worth trying. Score: 8.75
RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
All you need to know about planting a small native woodland on your land
Analysis: From why and how to plant, to grants, requirements and maintenance, here's everything to know about planting on a pocket of your land There has never been a better time to plant native trees in Ireland. Whether you're looking to create a haven for wildlife, protect water quality, enhance biodiversity, or simply make use of under-utilised pockets of agricultural land, the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) provides landowners with the perfect opportunity to establish beautiful and resilient native woodlands. Why plant native trees? Planting native trees is one of the most rewarding actions a landowner can take. Even small woodland areas can become magical resources that deliver climate and environmental benefits, provide shelter for animals, improve soil and water health, and become a legacy for future generations. With careful planning and follow-up care, these woodlands can thrive – and with generous financial support now available, the journey has never been more accessible. From TCD's Botany department, Dr Michelle Murray takes you on a tour of some of Ireland's most iconic native trees What is the Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS)? NTAS is a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) scheme that supports the creation of small native forests (up to 2 hectares). It's designed specifically for landowners to enable them to create small pockets of native woodland without the financial strain which might occur without grant aid, and best of all, it does not require an afforestation licence, making the process smoother and faster. Two options: NTA1 – Small Native Forests: For biodiversity and climate benefits on farmland. NTA2 – Native Forests for Water Protection: planting alongside watercourses, supporting aquatic ecosystems. Who can apply? Anyone who owns agricultural land in Ireland can apply – including farmers, non-farming landowners, and even companies. The only requirement is that the land is currently in use for agricultural purposes (e.g., grazing, tillage, silage) and free from constraints such as joint grazing rights. What financial support is available? These supports make it a viable option for even the smallest and most marginal land parcels. How do you apply? Applications must be submitted through a Registered Forester via the DAFM online portal. You begin by contacting your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser, who can help assess your land, explain your options, and guide you through the decision-making process. What trees can be planted? The scheme supports a diverse mix of native Irish trees, including: Oak Birch Alder Hazel Rowan Scots Pine Holly Crab Apple Cherry Willow species and more. Tree species are chosen based on your site conditions, mainly depending on soil suitability, vegetation and location. For instance a drier mineral soil will consist mainly of Oak, Birch and scots pine species, where a wetter site would have higher percentages of alder and birch as oak wouldn't be suitable to this type of soil and of course a mixture of other approved suitable species to be planted around the site to really make it feel like a native woodland that has naturally developed. Teagasc and your forester can help tailor the mix to your site. From RTÉ's Naturefile, The Alder is one of Ireland's most widely distributed trees, often found in damp boggy areas and along river banks Site requirements & design For NTA1 (Biodiversity): 0.1 – 1.0 hectare Minimum 20m width Multiple small plots allowed (min 0.1ha each) 3x3m spacing (or 4x4m if deer shelters are needed) For NTA2 (Water Protection): Width: 20–24m (10–13m setback required from watercourse) Trees planted up to 20% of setback area No planting within 2m of water Is it permanent? Yes – woodlands planted under NTAS are protected under the Forestry Act 2014, representing a permanent land use change. Who does the work? Planning: Carried out by a Registered Forester. Planting/Fencing: Can be done by the landowner or arranged through the forester. How much maintenance work is involved once the forest is planted? The first 4 years after planting require the most maintenance. Key tasks include weed control to prevent young trees being outcompeted, checking and repairing tree shelters or fencing (especially in areas with deer), and replanting any failed trees to maintain stocking levels. After this establishment phase, maintenance reduces significantly. Occasional inspections, minor pruning, and boundary management may still be needed, but by year 10, the woodland is largely self-sustaining. With a bit of care early on, your woodland can thrive with minimal long-term input. A lasting legacy Creating a native woodland is more than a land use change – it's an act of stewardship. With native trees taking root, these spaces evolve into rich, biodiverse ecosystems where wildlife thrives, carbon is stored, and water is protected. These woodlands will grow to be appreciated not just by you, but by generations to come. "It's an incredible scheme, especially for smaller pockets of marginal farmland. In just eight weeks my application was approved, and now I can envision a beautiful native woodland taking root on my land. It's a fantastic opportunity to transform these spaces into thriving ecosystems." – Jim Curtin, Cork
