New proposal for Liffey banks to uniquely ‘intertwine with nature’
THE proposed regeneration of a derelict site at “such a unique location on the Liffey banks” into a biodiversity education centre, is welcomed by Dublin City Council.
A final report on the planned Cois Abhann centre was delivered this week to members at the South Central area meeting for approval.
The proposal could see an investment of €3.8m for the project.
The city council say the site will offer the “opportunity for all to spend time in nature, and learn about the animals, plants, and ecological systems that thrive in close proximity to the city and along the river’s edge.”
“The house and gardens will intertwine to form one unique experience of nature with learning opportunities throughout. Cois Abhann will include interpretation on biodiversity and the history of the Liffey, a learning space that is large enough for school groups, a small café and public toilets.
“Cois Abhann can host a range of programmes to visitors focused on biodiversity e.g. Biodiversity workshops, training courses, the Young Environmentalist Awards (with a particular focus on biodiversity) which promotes action projects in young people.”
During an “extensive programme of consultation” in the design and development process, the city council said the response to the scheme was “overwhelmingly positive.”
The Liffey Vale site has been derelict for over 20 years.
Liffey Vale house, a Protected Structure, will be restored and a classroom, large enough for school groups, a small café and public toilets will be constructed.
The grounds of Liffey Vale will become publicly accessible with the insertion of pathways and outdoor interpretive materials.
Located on the northern banks of the River Liffey at Longmeadows along the Chapelizod Road, the site will be linked to the linear Liffey Valley Park and Chapelizod, through the transfer of lands from the Department of Defence to the west.
Today, the lands are home to multiple habitats containing a range of species who moved into the damp walls and the overgrown orchard and adapted to life along the water’s edge.
