Enhancing biodiversity at Tullamore River

Work is underway to enhance biodiversity along the Tullamore River.

Senior executive Engineer with Offaly County Counci,l John Connelly said there is ''in-channel enhancement work'' being done as ''a continuation of the wetlands project,''

He said the intention is to create ''a shallow shelf on the bank of the river to increase biodiversity.''

The Wetlands at Kilcruttin is part of the Tullamore Living River Project. At a  Municipal District meeting it was described as setting out to deliver ''a landmark project for residents and future visitors to Tullamore town.''The project involved converting land at Kilcruttin into a wetland filter area.

The arrival of the Sedge Warbler to theWetlands has been described as “hugely significant" and a real indicator that nature is thriving there.

''It is envisaged the project will provide valuable habitat for wetland wildlife such as riverside flora, dragonflies, butterflies and bird species. Flowers such as lady's smock, meadowsweet, yellow flag, water mint and king cup are all beautiful wetland plant species that would grow well in this new area,'' it was proposed.