Multi sensory garden opened in Birr Community Nursing Unit

THE official opening of the multi sensory garden in Birr Community Nursing Unit took place Friday last.

Nurse Anne Wilmot addressed the crowd and gave a brief background into the project. The garden had been a vision of both Nurse Anne Wilmot and Nurse Fiona Robins-Claffey, both members of The Friends of Birr Community Nursing Unit, since 2018. Both nurses work in the Daycare Unit and had identified the need for a safe outdoor area for the Daycare clients to enjoy.

They had many fundraisers and had received many donations from past Daycare clients and local groups, to help fund the garden. Mark McDowall, local landscape architect and garden designer, kindly gifted the design for the beautiful garden they now have today.

It was only when John Troy and Roisin Lennon, from Offaly Leader Development Company, got involved that the journey began. The Friends of Birr Community Nursing Unit applied for the Leader grant and they were successful in their application. Dan Delaney Construction was the successful candidate through eTenders.

The work commenced in April 2022 and Mark McDowall continued to oversee the work. Dermot Ward from Woodfield Garden Centre took over the planting of the garden. John Troy was then introduced to open the garden. John spoke about the various projects that LDC help fund and how he enjoyed this local project. Mick Spain was asked to cut the ribbon and the garden was declared officially open.

The afternoon was blessed with sunshine and the residents and Daycare clients enjoyed the tunes sung by Dickie Donnelly. Refreshments were provided by Sharon and the catering staff in the Unit. The garden will be enjoyed by many for years to come.