Minister of State Alan Dillon cuts the ribbon to officially open the new sensory garden in Burrishoole.
Published:
Tue 7 Oct 2025, 8:46 AM
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon officially opened a new sensory garden in Burrishoole yesterday (Monday), a peaceful and inclusive space designed to engage the senses and bring people together.
Speaking at the event, Minister Dillon said: “This sensory park will be a lasting legacy for the Burrishoole community. It’s a space that welcomes everyone, from children to older people, and especially those with additional needs.
“I’m proud to have supported this initiative and to see the incredible work of local volunteers come to life.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives from the Oireachtas, Mayo County Council, the local community and students from local Newport National School.
The garden marks the third of five key objectives set out by the Burrishoole Community Partnership, which has already delivered a community pitch and a community centre.
Minister Dillon, who assisted in securing funding for the project, praised the leadership of all committee members for their dedication to community development.
The garden was thoughtfully designed with input from Owen Browne, principal of the local national school, and teacher Sinead English. Special thanks were extended to David Holmes, a local contractor who began work on the garden’s drainage and layout in October 2024.
Minister Dillon also acknowledged the efforts of the Tidy Towns committee, local volunteers, and members of the Ukrainian community, who came together in spring and early summer to plant trees, flowers and shrubs.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Newport’s wider rural regeneration efforts, where significant investment is being directed to deliver a new enterprise and tourism hub, the realignment of Main Street, and enhancements to the town centre streetscape, all aimed at creating jobs, addressing vacancy and dereliction, and revitalising Newport and its surrounding communities.
Published:
Tue 7 Oct 2025, 8:46 AM
Comments are closed.