Accessible community garden opens in the heart of Firhouse
By Mary Dennehy
AN ACCESSIBLE community garden has been officially opened on a small patch of land in the heart of Firhouse.
For the past year, the CRC (Central Remedial Clinic) Firhouse Day Centre has, with support from South Dublin County Council, been working on the creation and delivery of a community-based accessible garden.
The new community garden in Firhouse
According to Breda Gavagan of CRC Firhouse Day Centre: “The project grew from an idea that came about on a sunny day last summer.
“Sitting outside, a group from the centre realised that a small garden, which both they and the wider Firhouse community could benefit from, would be a worthwhile addition to the area.
“After looking at an overgrown and neglected plot of local land, the group got together and drafted a plan to develop the small plot.”
After local councillor Brian Lawlor (Fine Gael) and South Dublin County Council were brought on board, the idea started to take root, according to Breda.
With low maintenance and full wheelchair accessibility among the main requirements, specially shaped raised planters were developed to enable wheelchair users to tend to the garden during the year.
“Following discussions with the group from CRC Firhouse, plants were chosen that were tactile and scented so that those with a visual impairment could enjoy the garden too,” Breda said.
“The garden is also intended to be enjoyed equally by the whole Firhouse community.”
Cllr Brian Lawlor cutting the ribbon at the opening
The official opening of the garden, which is located on the green space beside the Church of our Lady of Mount Carmel, took place last Friday, November 15.
The event was attended by members of the local community and elected representatives Sean Crowe TD, Cllr Alan Edge, Cllr Deirdre O’ Donovan, Cllr Charlie O’Connor and Cllr Brian Lawlor, who cut the ribbon.
A number of local businesses were also present and Alison McCallion of CRC management.
Firhouse CRC made headlines earlier this year when they were named Day Care Centre of the Year at the national Irish Healthcare Centre Awards.
