Minister Heather Humphreys, from the Department of Rural and Community Development, attended the launch of the Geodesic Training Dome and Sensory Garden at Enniscorthy Community Allotment on Thursday 26 October.
This event was part of the Community Recognition Fund and Sláintecare Healthy Communities programs; delivered by Wexford County Council and funded by the Departments of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Health, supporting local communities in County Wexford.
The design of the Geodesic Dome and the Sensory Garden are spaces for the local community to train and learn new horticultural methods; the future of sustainability, healthy food products and growing a growing sense of mental health and green communities, through the environment.
The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. John Fleming, thanked Chairman Michael Devereux, the Enniscorthy Community Allocation Committee, shareholders, workers, volunteers and the local community, for the hard work to achieve such an extraordinary and unique project for Enniscorthy.
Cllr. John Fleming noted: “The Enniscorthy Community Allotments are a model for sustainability and connection with nature; for encouraging growth and well-being, both in the natural world and in ourselves. Looking at the wonderful horticultural allotments, I’m sure the Minister is happy to see and taste the literal fruits of the funding, here this morning.
Speaking while in Enniscorthy, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said:
“I would like to pay tribute to Enniscorthy Community Grants for working closely with the local authority in delivering this wonderful project.
The dome will serve as a training center and a green community and will become a growing space to learn about food production.
This is great as we all aim to become more sustainable and more environmentally conscious.”
The Minister continued:
“Projects like this one here in Enniscorthy, and the thousands of others funded by my Department for Rural and Community Development, are enabling towns and rural villages to be better places in which to live and work and raise a family.
This funding also makes them the most inviting places for domestic and international tourists.
Michael Devereux said that “ECA goes beyond being a community garden by creating an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. As adults, we must lay the foundations for the next generation and remove the burdened with the anxiety of life. To plant a garden is to believe in a tomorrow.”
Laura Cassin, from SETU and Kildalton Agricultural College noted the involvement of Kildalton College students who were responsible for the design of the sensory garden. She welcomed the initiative saying: “”This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn and engage with a community project that I hope to see more of in the future.”
