The Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project is holding a community information evening for locals in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March from 6.15pm to 7.45 pm.
Below is some actual and some imagined images of the Shannon Wetlands. Created by John O’Brien (obrienphotos2706@gmail.com)
Inspired by the Shannon Green Infrastructure Plan a group of dedicated community volunteers drawn from Dúchas na Sionna, Shannon Tidy Towns, Shannon Men’s Shed, Club na Sionna and others got together to explore the idea of restoring a wetland amenity in the area known as The Shannon Wetlands located to the rear of Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and the Shannon Leisure Centre. This led to the setting up of the Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project in October 2016. Since that time the committee has been active securing funding, undertaking site survey work and generally preparing the site for the next stage of development. Working in close collaboration with Ruairí Ó Conchúir (Local Authority Waters Programme) and Clare County Council the Project Committee has established a Technical Advisory Committee to guide the project. From the outset of the project it has been important to consult with the community as to how the people of Shannon wished this unique urban wetland site to develop. Public engagement events have occurred during Heritage Week 2017 and 2018 and this year on World Wetlands Day, 2nd February 2019.
The Shannon Wetlands Project is pleased to announce that a public meeting will take place in the in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March from 6.15pm to 7.45 p.m. The public meeting will give locals a chance to get involved with the ongoing visioning process for the Shannon wetlands site and to meet committee members and the staff from agencies supporting the project. The event will include an overview of work completed on site to date (2017 to 2019). It is also an opportunity to learn more about the proposed vision for the site – namely to create an attractive amenity that promotes biodiversity, and enhances the heritage, community, recreational and tourism value of the site while making the site user friendly and accessible. The meeting will unpack this and the work of the Project Committee to bring this to fruition. All are welcome so please come join us as this is your opportunity to have further input into how you wish the Shannon Wetlands site to develop. Perhaps you have ideas in addition to those outlined above or have skills or knowledge that you can contribute to help make this a truly sustainable community wetlands project that is an inspiration to others. If so, please join us in Shannon Library on Friday 22nd March to hear what has been achieved so far and to discuss the plans.
For more information please contact: Olive Carey of the Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project (085 710 7581 / olivecarey77@gmail.com) or local Community Water Officer, Ruairí Ó Conchúir (085 808 3715 / roconchuir@lawaters.ie)
