A feast for the senses in Cloughvalley
Image 1 of 2
Having a chat during the official opening of Cloughvalley Sensory Garden were Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach; David Mulhern, Brackley Landscapes; and Minister Dara Calleary.Image 2 of 2
At the official opening of Cloughvalley Sensory Garden were: Front (from left) students from Scoil Rois & Bunscoil Lughaidh Naofa, Carrickmacross; back, Cathal Flynn, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council; Damien Thornton, Co-ordinator, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD; Senator Robbie Gallagher; Emma Gollogly, President, Carrickmacross Chamber; Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council; Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach; Minister Niamh Smyth; Minister Dara Calleary; Deputy Matt Carthy; Cllr Paul Gibbons, MD Cathaoirleach; Cllr Peter Conlon; Cllr Aidan Campbell; Nicola Payne, SEO, Monaghan County Council; Nadine Casey, Assistant Staff Officer, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD; and Andrew Spare, Carrickmacross Tidy Towns.A new sensory park, aimed at providing an inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities, has officially opened in Carrickmacross following an investment of almost €140,000.
Cloughvalley Sensory Park was developed with funding of €136,037 from the Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Recognition Fund, which supports communities that have welcomed people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The overall project cost was €139,591, with the balance provided by Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District.
The facility was officially opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary during a ceremony attended by local representatives, community groups and schoolchildren.
Carrickmacross Chamber of Commerce president and Town Team member Emma Gollogly, who hosted the event, said the new amenity would provide an important resource for the wider community.
“We are delighted to gather here today to celebrate the official opening of a wonderful new community amenity that will provide an inclusive, welcoming and enjoyable space for people of all ages and abilities,” she said.
Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns said the project reflected the purpose of the Community Recognition Fund.
“The Community Recognition Fund is about acknowledging and supporting communities across Ireland,” he said. “We are very much an open town, indeed an open county and a welcoming place. We’ve had that tradition for hundreds of years and it’s something we are very keen to continue.”
Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District, Cllr P.J. O'Hanlon said the park and community garden demonstrated the inclusive nature of the town.
“Everybody is welcome here. That is something we are very proud of,” he said.
Officially opening the facility, Minister Calleary praised the design and environmental benefits of the project.
“This is doing exactly what a sensory garden should do,” he said. “It is an inviting, safe space, but most importantly, it's alive with nature and full of bees, which is a vital part of the biodiversity we are trying to support.”
The park was designed and delivered by Brackley Landscapes Ltd.
Landscape architect David Mulhern said it had been created as “an inclusive garden designed and built for everyone to enjoy”.
He further explained: "The plants give scent; some grasses and the water element give off sound. Through the seasons the planting will give you different colours. It’s all tactile, based around sensory and outdoor classroom learning. We’re thrilled with it and would love to work on more of these projects.”
Local schoolchildren are already making use of the facility. Bunscoil Lughaidh Naofa principal Valerie Norton welcomed the development, describing it as “a great facility” that pupils regularly use due to its proximity to the school.