Wednesday, 27 August 2025
A Unique Proposal for Environmental and Cultural Renewal Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in collaboration with Cork County Council, is currently reviewing a proposal to transform a 36-acre surplus site in County Cork into a native woodland. If approved, the land would be donated to Nature Trust and developed as a biodiverse forest, managed in perpetuity […]
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in collaboration with Cork County Council, is currently reviewing a proposal to transform a 36-acre surplus site in County Cork into a native woodland. If approved, the land would be donated to Nature Trust and developed as a biodiverse forest, managed in perpetuity as a public amenity.
The site is part of a larger 65.5-acre parcel originally acquired for the €280 million Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass. With the road project completed, the remaining land is no longer needed for transport infrastructure, prompting TII to explore alternative uses, including, initially, the potential for commercial development such as a solar farm.
Instead, a new and innovative plan has emerged: to turn the land into a native woodland that not only restores part of Ireland’s natural heritage but also serves environmental and community goals.
Under the current proposal, the site would be planted with tree species native to Ireland, reminiscent of the natural forests that once dominated the landscape. Managed by Nature Trust, the woodland would include walking trails and potentially other public features like playgrounds. TII has stated that any planting and development would follow site assessments, including soil testing to determine suitable tree types.
Importantly, this project would also highlight the historical significance of the land. The site is part of the Coolnacaheragh Battlefield, the location of the Coolnacaheragh Ambush in February 1921, a notable event during the Irish War of Independence.
Ireland was once covered in dense native woodlands, but centuries of deforestation have reduced that coverage to just over 1% of the country’s land area. Efforts like this proposal are part of a broader national push to reverse historical degradation through rewilding and afforestation strategies that prioritise ecological integrity over commercial forestry.
While carbon sequestration is often cited as the primary benefit of tree planting, native species provide ecosystem services that go far beyond. They support complex food webs, resist disease more effectively than non-native monocultures, and adapt more naturally to local climates. In contrast, fast-growing non-native plantations can harm biodiversity and water systems.
According to a TII presentation, the proposed native woodland could sequester and store an estimated 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The initiative would also qualify for “natural carbon woodland credits,” and Nature Trust would provide regular updates on biodiversity uplift and community engagement efforts.
Additional benefits include protection of local soil and water resources, as well as the creation of a new public green space, supporting both environmental sustainability and community well-being.
This project, while local in scale, aligns with global environmental frameworks such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. Such initiatives stress the importance of community-driven, nature-based solutions in meeting broader climate and sustainability targets.
TII emphasised that this project is still in the proposal phase. Discussions are ongoing with Nature Trust and other stakeholders. Before any planting begins, assessments will be conducted to determine soil conditions and select appropriate tree species. A formal application will also be made to the Department of Agriculture.
In a statement, a TII spokesperson said:
“TII are working in collaboration with Cork County Council and are currently engaged in ongoing discussion with all stakeholders on progressing this proposal. TII is committed to placing sustainability at the centre of proposals being made on the use of surplus lands associated with the road improvement projects throughout the national roads and motorway network.”
While still in the early stages, the proposal to create a native woodland in Cork reflects a forward-looking approach to land use by TII and Cork County Council. By potentially restoring native biodiversity, acknowledging local history, and creating a new community resource, the project, if approved, could serve as a model for sustainable use of public land in Ireland.
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