Rampart River walk with Friends of the Earth Dundalk

Friends of the Earth Dundalk is inviting members of the public to join a walk along the Ramparts River, starting at Ladywell on Saturday 17 August, at 11 am.

The group says it hopes attendees will bring their memories, stories, poems, and information about the river. The event will conclude with a picnic at St. Helena’s Park. 

Friends of the Earth Dundalk says that the Ramparts River has been vital to Dundalk over the centuries, providing fortification, powering mills, washing clothes, and serving as a meeting place. It is home to various creatures, including otters, herons, and kingfishers.

It goes on to say that the river is "in a poor state, suffering from pollution and a lack of thorough cleaning since 2020. A report commissioned by Dundalk Tidy Towns in 2020, now with Louth County Council, is undergoing further investigations". Friends of the Earth Dundalk says that "litter, fire hearths, and shopping trolleys mar this generous river" and it advocates for "regular cleaning and maintenance of the Ramparts and all our rivers by the responsible authorities". 

The group says that this walk aims to remind us of "the incredible gift our rivers are and the need to stand up for their rights". After the walk, it hopes to share a picnic together in St. Helena’s Park.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Our walk along the Ramparts River and picnic will be a lovely social gathering in nature sharing memories, poems and stories about this river and rivers in general.

"It will also be an opportunity to see first hand the potential of this river to enhance all our lives and support a diverse ecology. We also want to draw attention to the sad state of this potentially beautiful river which is suffering and clogged with rubbish in places” 

The Dundalk branch of Friends of the Earth was established at the end of 2023. This season, it is focusing on water and housing. Friends of the Earth is dedicated to a just world where humans and nature thrive. Additionally, on August 31st, it is are hosting its Climate Action Book Club. The book for August is Richard Nairn’s "Wild Waters." The book club will meet at 11 am in the Library at Roden Place, Dundalk.

For further information, contact [email protected], follow them on Instagram at FOEDUNDALK, or Facebook at Friends of the Earth Dundalk. Learn more about the Friends of the Earth Movement at Friends of the Earth.