The Waterford Trees for Life project has made the longlist of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 and, as a result, is a contender to win the title of Ireland’s Greenest Community 2025 – and potentially the overall title.
Pauline Beglin, who nominated the project, said its aim is to ‘Green Waterford one tree at a time’. The initiative was among over 120 projects or places put forward by members of the public from all over Ireland and one of four entries from Waterford.
Thirteen communities made the long list in total making it the most challenging category in the competition. The longlist also includes 3 suburbs, 5 villages and 5 towns. Mayo and Dublin lead the way with a total of six nominations across the four different categories, with Kerry next on 3. Clare has two, with nine other counties, like Waterford, on one.
READ MORE | Waterford students and workplaces pedal to the top in Waterford Wheels challenge
‘Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025’, an initiative which is being run by The Irish Times in association with Electric Ireland, began in late May when members of the public were invited to nominate a special place or project which they believe contributes to a genuinely greener environment.
Waterford Trees for Life’s ethos is to tangibly make a positive contribution to the environment and to educate the next generation of climate environmentalists. It was the brainchild of the local Lions Club and is organised by their Environmental Officer and sponsored by local businesses.
A total of 4,000 native trees have been planted in the last few years as standards, orchards and pocket forests. In schools’ volunteers work with pupils and school staff to plant trees which will enhance the school grounds and improve the biodiversity.
Ms Beglin pointed out that first-year students have planted trees at SETU Arena, in collaboration with horticulture and forestry staff and students from the Land Sciences Dept and SETU ground staff. Volunteers have also worked with the special needs adults of Tory Services to plant a sensory garden at Carrickpherish Library.
READ MORE | PICTURES: Waterford thatched cottage with acres of charm on the market for under €200k
The panel of five judges includes Eamon Ryan, former leader of the Green Party, who said that Ireland’s Greenest Places shows how much community-led environmentalism has deepened and spread in recent years.
“At a time when people are anxious about climate change and biodiversity loss, it helps to think global but act local. The long-listed entries show the variety of what is taking place around Ireland. People in every community seem to be looking to see what they can do by promoting pollinators, planting trees or establishing sustainable energy or transport solutions”.
“Gone are the arguments that local people shouldn’t be doing these things because it is the State’s responsibility. Everyone can now see the returns that can come when you work from the bottom up as well as the top down.”
The shortlist for Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 will be announced at the end of the month with the category winners and overall winner announced a fortnight later.
Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 – The Long List
Ireland’s Greenest Suburb (3)
Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Cabra, Dublin
Harper’s Island, Cork Harbour
Ireland’s Greenest Village (5)
Louisburgh, Co Mayo
Castlegregory/Maharees, Co Kerry
Inagh, Co Clare
Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co Tipperary
Quin, Co Clare
Ireland’s Greenest Town (5)
Skerries, Co Dublin
Killarney, Co Kerry
Ballina, Co Mayo
Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Kiltimagh, Co Mayo
Ireland’s Greenest Community (13)
Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon
Derrybeg Farm, Celbridge, Co Kildare
Gaelscoil Raifteirí, Co Mayo
Charlemont Deck Culture Garden, Dublin
Dysart River Project, Co Westmeath
Waterford Trees for Life, Co Waterford*
The Three Sisters Gardening Community Group, Belfast, County Antrim
Taplin’s Fields (Bridgefoot Street Park Community Garden), Dublin
Coolmine Lodge, Dublin
The Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry
Inishturk Island, Co Mayo
Fahburren Forest, Co Mayo
Ambrosetown Cemetery, Co Wexford
Comments are closed.