The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, has today officially opened the beautiful outdoor event space ‘An Foscadh Mór – The Big Shelter’ in Glenveagh National Park.
The launch is part of the week long Biodiversity Festival ‘Le Chéile don Dúlra – Together for Nature’ which celebrates National Biodiversity Week at the park.
An Foscadh Mór will be used as an open public area for informal gatherings, as well as a venue for education led events, training courses and other learning events for all ages. The space will offer opportunity to take in the views of the Glenveagh valley from a location close to the main visitor centre and shuttle bus stop. The area has been designed to accommodate people with accessibility needs, and future plans will include enhancements to support those with sensory requirements. It provides an outdoor immersive space, where people can feel connected to the landscape, whilst sheltering from the ever changing weather.
Minister O’Sullivan with NPWS stall along with local community representatives planting a tree at ‘An Foscadh Mór – The Big Shelter in Glenveagh National Park. Photo Clive Wasson
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“I am delighted to be here today to open ‘An Foscadh Mór’ in Glenveagh National Park and to join the community here during National Biodiversity Week. This is a truly inspirational setting, a place for reflection, celebration and collaboration and one which is of huge importance to communities here, as well as national and international visitors. Our National Parks are treasures – they are sanctuaries – places for protecting nature, but also for private reflection, for communal gathering, and learning. This Government is committed to their protection and expansion. This is being achieved by a significant increase in funding over recent years, and I will continue to ensure that long term investment, including in the purchase of lands to secure, grow and expand our National Parks and our Nature Reserves.”
“There is a really impressive range of events taking place here throughout the week, with opportunities to connect with nature in creative ways, and also to build relationships at local level to protect this beautiful place. I encourage everyone to take part in one of the many events happening throughout the week.”
Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, with NPWS staff from left Dr. Emmett Johnston, Park Manager, Glenvagh National Park, Rachel McHugh, Assistant Principal NPWS, Malachey Corcoran, Principal Officer for NPWS, Sean O Gaoithin, Head Gardener Glenveagh and Susan Callaghan, Divisional Manager NPWS. Photo Clive Wasson
The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, pictured here in the garden overlooking Glenveagh Castle. Photo Clive Wasson
Glenveagh National Park is committed to building links and collaborations with stakeholders in our journey for nature conservation, heritage protection and opportunities for cultural expression. Local families have helped plant native trees and shrubs as part of the biodiversity week festival around An Foscadh Mór.
This event is one of many in Glenveagh and across Ireland celebrating National Biodiversity Week which gives us all opportunities to celebrate the incredible variety of life on our island, from peatlands and pollinators to our native woodlands and marine life.
Emmet Johnston, Regional Manager for Glenveagh National Park said: “On this beautiful day, all of us here in Glenveagh National Park are delighted to have this new outdoor space added to the National Park’s facilities. We look forward to working and interacting with our neighbouring local communities, specialist interest groups and of course members of the general public under An Foscadh Mór in the magical natural oasis that is Glenveagh’s natural environs.”
View the full programme for Le Chéile don Dúlra – Together for Nature’ and book your place at: www.nationalparks.ie/
