Carlow Town Development Forum recently (1st May 2019) unveiled the Barrack Street Bio-Diversity Garden which was carefully developed by volunteers from Carlow Town Development Forum with the support of Carlow County Council under the direction of Dee Sewellof Greenside Up. The Forum as one of its key projects for 2019 has a focus on supporting the biodiversity of Carlow Town and the launch of the garden is the first in a series of projects which includes the garden and bio-diversity friendly hanging baskets which will feed into the development of Carlow Town’s first Bio-Diversity Strategy which will provide a framework for future projects for Carlow Town.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Mayor , Cllr. Andrea Dalton of Carlow Municipal District, said, “This is a fantastic endeavour and the first in a series of biodiversity projects for Carlow Town.” Dalton continued to say, “This Garden will provide an opportunity to improve and enhance the visual appearance of our Town Centre, while adding to the biodiversity of Carlow Town, and is a great example of a partnership approach between the Carlow Town Development Forum, Carlow County Council, and local community volunteers, aided by the expertise of Dee Sewell of Greenside Up.”
Speaking on behalf of the Green Group of the Carlow Town Development Forum, Mary Ryan said “we are delighted to unveil this biodiversity garden and hope that, when combined with the hanging basket scheme it will give pleasure to those who live, work, study and shop in Carlow Town. It is important that Carlow creates its own unique Biodiversity Strategy which builds on the work already being done by other community groups. This strategy hopefully will act as a blueprint for current and future town development.” Mary also acknowledged the selfless work done by many people who contributed to this significant step.
Speaking about the projects, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council and Chairperson of Carlow Town Development Forum said, “These initiatives are an opportunity to improve and reinvigorate Carlow Town Centre, making it a model for biodiversity and sustainability in the short and long term.” Holohan continued to say, “The programme aims to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses and to have a focus on good planting design and works that will comply with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, the National Biodiversity Action Plan for 2017-2021, and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.”
Ends
For further information contact Pierce Kavanagh on pkavanagh@carlowcoco.ie or by calling 087-344 9432
