Getting Involved with the Guardian

A bog visitor attraction in Cloughjordan and water wheel in Ballinderry have been chosen as The Nenagh Guardian's two projects in this year's 'Get Involved' local newspaper community initiative.

Over the coming weeks, you can look forward to reading about the progress made with these projects' participation in the Local Ireland/Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland competition.

Cloughjordan Community Development Committee is pioneering a nature/biodiversity project focusing on the Sopwell/Scohaboy wetlands. This incorporates the existing award winning community raised bog restoration LIFE project.

 

In the 'Cloughjordan Wetlands Project', the group wants to develop a unique natural heritage attraction along the Beara-Breifne National Waymarked Heritage Trail, one that will connect into Ireland's Ancient East trail as well as offering a quality amenity asset for the North Tipperary/South Offaly area.

 

The project involves the creation of a new 1,200-acre visitor attraction 'wetland' at Sopwell/Scohaboy. Sites like Scohaboy represent some of the last remnants of this unique habitat still in existence in the Atlantic region and the EU and, as such, they are sites of European and international importance.

 

Potential offerings to the visitor (including educational institutions) will include: a) educational programmes and a science based analysis on the LIFE project restoration principles and aims, unique heritage habitat management and protection, the bog as a carbon sink, peatlands role in climate change, mitigation, etc; b) An interactive tourism component by which visitors can learn about traditional peat culture and usage and take part in a traditional turf cutting and saving experience.

 

In attracting visitors, this wetlands project can support the local economic activity and enhance Cloughjordan's offering as a 'stay-over' location along both the Beara-Breifne Way and Ireland's Ancient East trail. The attraction will build linkage to the towns of Nenagh, Birr and Roscrea, which between them have an approximate population of 21,000. With the population of North Tipperary and Offaly measuring approximately 150,000, this adds up to a significant local asset reach benefit. The location proximity will allow the wetlands to be easily accessible to these towns and become a valuable heritage/amenity asset for these towns.

 

The water wheel project has been entered by award-winning Ballinderry tree farmer Matt Fogarty. Matt wants to use the wheel to power his house, which was built in the late 1700s, but he needs help to make this novel dream come true.

 

A river runs by the house and Matt has already expanded this waterway to make a small lake. He recently invested in a water wheel, which he hopes to use to harness the natural energy produced by water so as to generate electricity.

 

The applicant proposes this project primarily to produce enough electricity to heat the large old house, which is both difficult and expensive to heat. But in the long-term, this is a project that could be of benefit to the wider community.

 

Visually, the working water wheel would attract visitors to an area where Matt already leads popular guided walking tours of his tree farm and its beautiful surrounds. His lake is home to plenty of wild duck, pheasants, otters and fish. The wheel would be an added attraction for people interested in seeing it work, including touring schoolchildren. It would also assist in the preservation of a house that has stood in Ballinderry for more than 200 years, safeguarding the building for future generations.

 

Unfortunately, Matt says he is at a standstill with this project as he has been unable to find an electrician with the knowledge and expertise to carry out the necessary work. By entering the Get Involved project, Matt is hoping to receive advice as well as funding towards this project. He says he would be most grateful of any guidance. Anyone who wants to help can contact Matt at (067) 22053.

 

 

 

Over the coming weeks, you can look forward to reading about the progress made with these projects' participation in the Local Ireland/Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland-sponsored competition. The SEAI will be awarding a cash prize to the winners of this year's national competition, in which the projects will also receive extensive local newspaper coverage. Ultimately, Get Involved aims to highlight the good work being done by local people in their community while contributing to a more sustainable Ireland.