This was an initiative of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide a once off grant of €2,000 through the local County Councils, to communities for worthwhile public area enhancement projects.
SMART were awarded a grant to have a new planting scheme plan for the village drawn up by Dr. Betsy Hickey, Ecologist. The aim of the plan was to replace non-native trees, hedging, shrubs and plants with native species where possible in public areas.
Starting in Spring, new planting took place on the Green, the Pilgrim’s Park and the carparks on the Quay. All planting was covered with locally produced bark mulch to reduce weeding. All picnic benches and seating were repaired and painted and two new picnic benches provided.
