Minister tours karst landscape in South Roscommon

The South Roscommon karst landscape may not be the Burren but it is equally unique. That was the message from Minister Pippa Hackett following a tour of the area recently, in the company of Liam Gildea from the Karst Farming Group in Taughmaconnell, and Nicola Bowes from Celtic Eye Art Group, who have been working together in recent times to highlight the importance of the karst landscape and biodiversity of South Roscommon.

The two groups, together with Peter Murray from Taughmaconnell Hall Committee, were delighted to welcome Minister Hackett, who has responsibility for biodiversity and land use in the Department of Agriculture to the area on Friday, November 5 last. The groups thanked local Green Cllr Louise Heavin in Athlone, who also attended on the day, for organising the visit.

During her time in South Roscommon, Minister Hackett launched a new climate change initiative on behalf of the local groups, entitled 'Strive 4 Life'. by planting the first tree of the project which was kindly donated by Jeremy Turkington from the Irish Seed Savers Association. It is encouraging people to plant a native tree in their gardens, workplace, farm, school or even a plant pot, and then post a picture on the Celtic Eye Art Group's social media channels.

Following her tour, Minister Pippa Hackett described the landscape as “not the Burren but equally unique” as she hailed the “community spirit to protect and nurture this area” as wonderful.

Herbalist and Celtic Eye Art Group members Paula Sharkey and Rosemary Carty also attended the tour, alongside Eoghan Finneran and Emma O'Grady from local company Farmeye, who are described as Ireland's leading and award-winning provider of digital soil management systems, Jeremy Turkington from Irish Seed Savers and Louise Whelan.

The tour of the landscape concluded later that day with Roscommon's Heritage Officer Nollaig Feeney welcoming the Minister, and meeting with the local community for a chat over a cup of tea in Taughmacommell Hall. This was followed by an art exhibition display organised by The Celtic Eye Art Group, who were delighted to present Minister Hackett one of their art work pieces by Ann Hill and natural face creams by herbalist Paula Sharkey.

The groups would like to thank Cllr Tony Ward and Cllr Emer Kelly for speaking at the hall on the day and for their constant support of the project bidding to protect the unique karst landscape for sustainable farming and highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

There was also gratitude for Athlone Community Radio broadcaster Deirdre O'Murchadha, who also attended on the day along with Celtic Eye art group member Fiona Moore, who put the final touches to the art exhibition.

Thanks were also extended to the Taughmaconnell Hall Committee for refreshments.

More information on the new 'Strive 4 Life' climate change project will be advertised on the Celtic Eye Art Group (Extension) Facebook page in the coming weeks, along with details of the group's upcoming art exhibition 'Stive 4 Life' which is due to take place in February next year in Ballinasloe Library art gallery.