Tractamotors to help Kilnavara reach new heights!
The Cavan town estate, which has been chosen for its water conservation and environmental initiatives to represent County Cavan in this year's 'Get Involved' national competition, has outlined its programme of work for the year ahead.
The dynamic residents of Kilnavara Heights were also delighted to learn in the past week that local business, Tractamotors, has agreed to come on board and sponsor the committee with some valuables materials to help bring the projects to fruition.
Following a meeting of the committee on Wednesday night of last week, Mary McKiernan confirmed that they hope to make further improvements to their rainwater collection system.
Already a number of rain water harvesting systems are in place in the estate - some at residents' homes and a large communal one and improvements are planned for these. Also, there a large 400 gallon tank has been partially subjerged into the ground to collect ground drainage water. A tap off the tank, which blends in with the landscape, allows residents to water flowers and plants along the road at the main entrance to the estate.
'We intend to upgrade the big water tank on our green area also by putting on a new water tap, plus a different out-pipe, which will ensure a faster flow, in comparison to the previous slower flow,' explained Mary of the improvement plans.
Also in the pipeline - the residents will be working on a rough area of ground with a view to attracting more wildlife. For example, bird nesting boxes are planned for this area. There is already a bug hotel on the estate but another is to be added in the rough area.
The committee also hope to plant a selection of flowering trees, heathers, other pollinating plants; as well as wild flower seeds. 'It will all add some beautiful colour, in addition to attracting various wildlife,' said Mary.
Tractamotors is delighted to come on board to support the project and will be supplying some of the materials needed including timber, garden tools, some seeds and plumbing materials.
Kilnavara Heights, a 52-house estate, recently also enjoyed success at the Cavan County Council annual Estate awards. The residents are hopeful that their endeavours will see them pick up yet another award in the 'Get Involved' initiative, which is sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and hosted by Local Ireland, the umbrella group for local newspapers in Ireland.
They have been nominated in the 'water category’ of this year’s awards and, if successful, will win a share in a €10,000 prize fund for winning projects. Judging will take place in April with the awards ceremony in May.
Meet the committee
Those included in the working committee include Michael and Monica Lyons, Mary McKiernan, Gabriel Cooney, P.J. Smith, Robbie Johnston, Fiona Duffy, Dolores McCaffrey and Paddy Corrigan.