Green Project of the Year Finalist: Mullagh Biodiversity Walk 'enhancing and protecting environment'
The Mullagh Biodiversity Walkway was officially opened by Minister Heather Humphreys on April 19 last.
The project was planned, built and developed through the COVID-19 pandemic and is the product of five years of work.
“It was some recognition because sometimes you feel you're swimming against the tide from the point of view of the environment,” said project coordinator Barbara Carolan.
“Our aspiration and our aim always was that that the human-built environment would enhance and protect the local environment.”
Bordered by Mullagh Lough stream, the walkway is a "fabulous" amenity for the local community, making a 1.2km loop when completed in a figure of eight.
The former geography teacher is delighted that the walkway is not only a natural amenity but also an educational resource for environmental and biodiversity education. The area is home to one of four of Cavan’s eskers, a geomorphic feature formed around ten to fourteen thousand years ago. The walk consists of an ecological timeline showing the indigenous native vegetation that existed in Ireland during the Ice Age.
Barbara is proud that “the whole education element has taken off" and explained that they have hosted a teachers group at the Mullagh Biodiversity Walkway.
There is also an amenity access area with an outdoor classroom, car, bicycle and bus parking. Barbara hopes the local primary school students will be facilitated there later this month.
The project was completed in conjunction with Mullagh Sports Centre and CLG Cuchulainn, an advisory committee and the wider community.
“It’s a dream come true really, we’re so proud of the fact that it’s an amenity for all, all ages, all abilities and no matter when you go down there's somebody walking or running.”
The walk is flat and fully accessible to everyone and is open from 6:30am to 10:30pm, with full lighting in darkness hours.
“No matter what time of the day or night you go down there’s somebody using it.”