A community group has transformed a waste ground into this gorgeous green space
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Ireland has won more awards than any other European country for the ongoing development of a network of public outdoor amenities.
A total of 150 parks in various European countries have received the Green Flag, including 101 parks, gardens, grounds and wildlife sanctuaries here. The awards mark excellence in the management of green spaces which offer free admission to the public.
Abbeyfeale Town Park (Pairc Cois Feile), County Limerick, has been recognised internationally for the fifth year in a row and we dropped in there last week to have a look.
Located on the banks of the fast-flowing River Feale, the park is much valued by local people and plenty were out walking, despite the rain.
Just inside the entrance, a plaque records the names of Daniel J Murphy, Mary O’Connor and Gerard O’Brien whose vision brought the facility about.
A children’s playground catches the eye but, perhaps, the most striking aspect of the park is the large number of trees — oak, maple and holly to name just a few species — lining the meandering walks which lead down to the river. Pesticide-free and pollinator-friendly zones are also noticeable.
The ubiquitous fox, chaffinch and little egret are celebrated and a picnic area is dedicated to the Sisters of Mercy for their work in Abbeyfeale.
What really stands out, however, is a reflective space called Light on Stone, which invites people to sit awhile and take in the beauty of the park.
Maurice O’Connell, local Green Flag co-ordinator, said the award is the best approval they could get. He spoke of pride in a job well done and “being up there with the best in the world".
Five flags went to parks in Cork: Ballincollig, Douglas, Fitzgerald’s Park, Gerry O’Sullivan Park and Shalom Park.
These parks are appreciated by people in the city and surrounds. Ballincollig Regional Park has a strong historic dimension, with more than 50 structures remaining from the old Gunpowder Mill days.
There are also lots of open spaces in the 134-acre facility, looped walks of varying lengths and a network of sluices and canals — a splendid amenity for people of all ages in a heavily-populated area, on the western fringes of the city.
Another flag winner is Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre, County Limerick, where 28 bee lodges have been installed to support solitary and native bees. The lodges were built as part of the prison education programme.
Tralee, County Kerry, scored a double, with the local wetlands centre and the town park each getting flags. The wetlands centre, boasting a diverse range of habitats, is a Natura 2000 site and is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.