Lough Gur is abuzz after their Bee Lodge project at the ancient heritage site in County Limerick was recognised with a special innovation award by An Taisce in the 2023 Green Flag Awards.
Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre and Limerick’s People’s Park were among 101 parks, gardens, grounds and wildlife sanctuaries around the country to receive The Green Flag Award this year.
The award is an international quality benchmark of excellence in the management of green spaces which are open free to the public.
Lough Gur was also one of two award recipients to receive a special innovation award recognising the installation of 28 bee lodges and associated environmental education programmes.
The bee lodges support solidary and native bees and were funded by Analog Devices International (ADI). An Taisce noted that this showed “cross collaboration between industry and parks, leading to a greater number of people becoming aware of the importance of bees as pollinators.”
An Taisce further commented that “the bee lodges were built by PALLS, as part of the prison education programme showing an inclusive and supportive approach to public park spaces.”
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell welcomed the recognition by An Taisce:
“Lough Gur and the People’s Park are two of Limerick’s most impressive public green spaces enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. The Green Flag Awards are an important recognition and provide assurance that these parks are maintained to the highest environmental standards. The special innovation award for the Lough Gur Bee Lodge initiative is especially welcome as we collectively strive for a greener more sustainable future through innovation and education.”
In 2022 Lough Gur was awarded the first Green Heritage Flag for Limerick in recognition of exceptional work carried out by Limerick City and County Council, the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service.
This is the third year that both Lough Gur and the People’s Park have been awarded Green Flag Awards which aim to encourage the provision of good quality public parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways.
Head of Parks and Senior Executive Engineer at Limerick City and County Council, Carmel Lynch said:
“The Council are delighted to receive its third Green Flag for both Lough Gur and People’s Park. The dedicated hard-working staff at these popular amenities take pride in maintaining them to the highest standards creating green spaces that are widely used, and enjoyed by the public.”
For more news from An Taisce visit: News | An Taisce - The National Trust For Ireland:
Find out more about Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre at: Lough Gur | Limerick.ie
Read all about Limerick’s People’s Park here: People's Park | Limerick.ie
Learn about the recent transformation of the People’s Park playground here: Opening of new People’s Park Playground is transformative for children of all abilities | Limerick.ie