A FARM adjoining the huge Tara Mines plant in Navan, Co Meath – which the mining company attempted to buy on several occasions over the past 40 years – has finally come on the market following the death of the owner.

Local farmer Joe Lynch was one of a small number of industrious farmers close to the mine who turned down a small fortune for their land from the mining company after the discovery of the lead and zinc orebody.

Mr Lynch, a bachelor, and his neighbours, Jim and Tom Dowdall, had no interest in cashing in their chips like other farmers in the area, preferring to run their diary and cattle fattening operations. Mr Lynch died almost three years ago in his late seventies.

About 20 acres bordering on the mine complex at Knockumber and another 35 acres on the opposite side of the road are to be auctioned on June 4th by joint agents Smith Harrington and Lisney.

A total of 75 acres, some of it zoned for development and the remainder agricultural land, are expected to make over €2.25 million when they are auctioned in six different lots. Most of the land is close to a new roundabout which will link Navan town with the M3.

No reserves have been set for the various lots and, according to John Harrington of the Smith Harrington agency, they all have realistic guide prices with the intention of selling all the land at auction.