Community
Limerick Parks Celebrated as Adare Town Park Raises First Green Flag
Adare Town Park has proudly raised its first Green Flag, a symbol of excellence in the management of public parks and green spaces. Mayor Of Limerick, John Moran and Cllr Bridie Collins, Limerick City and County Council raise the flag. Picture: Keith Wiseman
Adare Town Park received the award as part of the Green Flag for Parks Award Scheme, an international standard recognising best practices in sustainable park management
On November 8, An Taisce Environmental Education awarded Green Flags to 120 parks, gardens, greenways, and wildlife sanctuaries across Ireland, including Adare Town Park and two more parks managed by Limerick City and County Council. The People’s Park and Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre both retained their Green Flags. Lough Gur also achieved the 2024 Green Heritage Site Accreditation.
Additionally, Abbeyfeale Biodiversity Park was awarded a 2024 Green Flag Community Award, recognising its community-led efforts.
At a celebration in Adare, Mayor John Moran praised the efforts of all involved, saying, “We are incredibly proud to see Adare Town Park raise its first Green Flag. I am also pleased to see the recognition for amenities at Lough Gur and The People’s Park, as well as the community driven project in Abbeyfeale. These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in maintaining and enhancing these park’s natural beauty and facilities. Each is an example of what can be achieved through community involvement and sustainable practices.”
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The Green Flag for Parks Award Scheme evaluates parks based on eight criteria: A Welcoming Place; Healthy, Safe and Secure; Well Maintained and Clean; Environmental Management; Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage; Community Involvement; Marketing and Communication; and Management.
In Ireland, the scheme has significantly raised the profile of public parks and gardens, highlighting their potential to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Carmel Lynch, Head of Parks at Limerick City and County Council, commented on the significance of the award: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate all of Limerick’s parks that have been awarded Green Flags for 2024. I am particularly pleased for Adare Town park, receiving its first ever Green Flag. It is a great honour and reflects the collective efforts of the Council’s Parks team, Adare Tidy Towns, the Members of the Municipal District of Adare-Rathkeale, volunteers, and the local community. Their commitment to maintaining and improving the park is truly commendable.”
Located across from Adare Heritage Centre on the villages main street, Adare Town Park, once part of the Dunraven estate, was gifted to Limerick County Council in 1979 by Thady, 7th Earl of Dunraven, and his mother, Nancy, Countess of Dunraven. The park’s transformation into a community hub is a tribute to the Dunraven family’s vision for a park for all to enjoy.
Community and Biodiversity
Community involvement has been pivotal in the park’s development. The Adare Tidy Towns Committee, the Ladies 2020 Club, and the Adare Men’s Shed group have all played vital roles. Initiatives such as litter picking, planting fruit bushes, and creating habitats like the Hedgehog Hotel and the Stumpery have enhanced the park’s biodiversity and appeal.
In collaboration with Analog Devices and the Irish Bee Conservation Group, various hives have been installed, following guidelines set out in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. The park also features a natural play area, a climbing archway for roses, and a thatched gazebo, making it a vibrant and welcoming space for all.
Adare Town Park received its first Green Flag Award, marking a significant milestone for the community. The People’s Park continues to uphold its standard of excellence, maintaining its Green Flag status. Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre, not only secured a Green Flag Award but also achieved the 2024 Green Heritage Site Accreditation.
The community-run Abbeyfeale Biodiversity Park was awarded a 2024 Green Flag Community Award celebrating outstanding community-led efforts in promoting biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
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