Pat Foley, from Geashill Tidy Towns in Offaly, explains how funding from LAWPRO allowed the group to install a raingarden and reclaim a historic wetland area on the edge of the picturesque village in Co. Offaly.
Nature-based solutions such as raingardens and wetlands help slow the flow of water in the landscape. This reduces flood potential and filters harmful contaminants and sediments.
With the help of LAWPRO’s Community Water Development Fund, Geashill Tidy Towns installed raingardens and wetlands to filter nutrients from the run-off water coming from the nearby car park. It was a practical solution to a local problem and created a wonderful amenity for residents in the village to enjoy. The wetland ponds attract a huge variety of insects, animals, birds, small mammals, (tadpoles, frogs etc) and are a wonderful addition to the area.
Pat Foley, Chair of Geashill Tidy Towns, said:
“The funding is essential for us because our resources, while it facilitates us doing small jobs locally, maintenance work, it wouldn’t allow us to take on a large project such as this. But it’s not just to have the financial funding, it’s the reservoir of information, the background knowledge, I think that’s really important.”
It is a wonderful example of the community coming together to tackle local issues, creating a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy, and a space that provides educational opportunities for all to learn more about nature.