Today, in the Seanad, I highlighted Killaun Bog, near Birr, as a shining example of a community working together for nature.
I recently attended an event hosted by St. Brendan’s Community School in Birr to mark the re-launch the boardwalk, 30 years after former President Mary Robinson originally launched it.
The story of Killaun Bog is a shining light for so many other communities across the country who are passionate about protecting nature, preserving what is there, and where possible, restoring it back to its former glory
During the evening at St. Brendan's I met with Mick Spain, one of the people who laid the original boardwalk, and local botanist John Feehan, who was launching his latest book entitled “When the Nightjar Returns” about the history of Killaun Bog and its rich habitat. Mr Feehan described Killaun Bog as "a rainforest on our doorstep”.
I would also like to pay tribute to the students of St. Brendan’s Community School in Birr who have shown their deep understanding and appreciation of nature, climate action and biodiversity. This is so encouraging. And I have no doubt they will be the driving force for a brighter future.”
Let’s hope that one day, the Nightjar will indeed make its return to Killaun Bog. You can buy John's book at offalyhistory.com
