Clare County Council has secured €160,000 in funding to deliver two complementary nature-based projects at Lees Road, Ennis, enhancing recreational amenities while supporting environmental sustainability.
The funding comprises €100,000 under a National Development Plan pilot initiative to develop a new nature-based play and learning space, alongside €60,000 from the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to deliver reinforced grass paving as a nature-based solution for managing surface water.
The new play and learning space will provide a high-quality outdoor environment designed to support early childhood development, school-age recreation and outdoor learning. It will serve early learning and care services, school-age childcare providers, families and the wider community.
Features will include natural play elements such as earthen mounds, timber bridges, balancing logs and climbing structures, alongside biodiversity enhancements including wildflower planting, native trees and habitat features such as insect hotels and log piles.
In parallel, reinforced grass paving will be installed at Lees Road to improve the management of rainwater runoff, contributing to enhanced water quality and long-term climate resilience through the application of nature-based solutions.
Director of Service for Tourism, Recreation, Libraries and Cultural Services, Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty, said, “Lees Road is one of the county’s most important recreational assets; this funding is very welcome and represents a positive investment in Clare. The projects at Lees Road will enhance local amenities while supporting biodiversity, sustainability and long-term benefits for the community.”
Senior Executive Officer, Sport and Recreation, Clare County Council, Eoin Troy, said, “The development of a nature-based play and learning space will create new opportunities for children and families to engage with the outdoors in a safe and stimulating environment. At the same time, the investment in nature-based solutions such as reinforced grass paving will support the sustainable management of the site into the future.”
Funding for the initiatives has been provided by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality under the National Development Plan, and by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Authority Waters Programme.