Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service offically unveil unique biodiversity gardens
The gardens have transformed an urban space in the fire stations to a tranquil place where firefighters can decompress
Carlow County's Fire and Rescue Service have officially unveiled their stunning biodiversity gardens.
Launched by Cathaoirleach of Carlow Council, Cllr Ken Murnane, the event was attended by CE Coilín O'Reilly, DoS Padraig O'Gorman, members of Carlow Fire Station, HQ Staff, the Council's Environment Section and friends from the Delta Sensory Gardens Carlow organisation.
The biodiversity gardens have transformed an urban space in the fire stations to a tranquil place where firefighters can decompress after responding to traumatic incidents. The initiative also supports biodiversity as a whole and the circular economy.
The gardens also compost waste from the fire stations feeding bed, where salads and vegetables are being grown.
This a sustainable use of public space because the gardens deliver environmental, social and operational benefits with minimal resource demand.
By planting native trees, wildflowers and shrubs, these gardens support local ecosystems, providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds and insects while helping to counter biodiversity loss. Native species are naturally adapted to local conditions, meaning they require less water, fertiliser and maintenance than ornamental planting, reducing long-term environmental impact.
Items upcycled and part of the circular economy include:
- 1800L water tank, which contained and provided water for firefighting operations in the UK and Ireland for 21 years, is now harvested from a roof to use for watering the gardens.
- Old fire appliance fire pump is now mounted as a water feature using a solar pump.
- Water contents tube, which indicates the amount of water in a tank on a fire engine, again from a 21 year old fire engine, is now a bird feeder.
- A 20 year old breathing apparatus cylinder, which held and provided breathable air for firefighters in fires, now a bird house.
- An old fire hydrant standpipe is now a water feature via solar.
- Old fire hoses are now a feature fence protecting plants from wind.
- Seats from the 21 year old fire engine have been incorporated into new seating areas in the gardens.
- Old chimney firefighting rods now upcycled into a bug hotel.
- Old pallets, now planter boxes and feature fences.
- Old ladders and hose have now been upcycled into benches.
- Old fire helmet has now having been nested in by a bird.
Thanks at the event were given to D/M Aiden Owens, SO Darrell Hayden, FF Ian Callinan, FF Ronan Boyle and those who helped develop the biodiversity garden.
A special appreciation was given to the Delta Sensory Gardens Carlow Town, The Elderflower Garden Club Carlow Town, Bus Eireann Carlow Town depot and local schools and businesses who have supported this project.
Hacketstown Fire Station and the Learning & Development Centre's biodiversity garden will also launch soon.