Minister opens new Outdoor Classroom at The Glebe House and Gallery

The new outdoor classroom at the Glebe House and Gallery was opened today by the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, TD . The event was a perfect start to the month which will see a host of events at OPW heritage sites across Ireland in the lead-up to International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22. 

This purpose-built classroom for children at Gartan National School will allow them to engage with arts, culture and nature in a holistic manner at the OPW heritage site which was once the home of renowned artist Derek Hill, who donated it to the people of Ireland in 1981.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, TD with OPW staff and contractors at the new Outdoor Classroom at The Glebe House and Gallery at the start of Biodiversity Month. Front from left are Martin Timoney, Peter McDaid and Ryan McCauley. Back from left Darren Doherty, DJD Construction, LeeAnne McDevitt, Adrian Kelly, Curator Glebe House and Gallery, Jean Kearney, Minister O’Donovan, TD, Samir Eldin, Executive Officer OPW, Kathryn McCallion and Danny Doherty. Photo: Clive Wasson

It is an excellent example of the OPW's Biodiversity Action Strategy in action, showing how diversity by design and biodiversity awareness inform the management of our built heritage and parklands and can contribute to forming a new generation of nature champions in the community. 

In total, over 500 trees have been planted, almost all of them native, with fully accessible pathways created to allow access to the classroom and surrounding bog. 

Minister O’Donovan said he was delighted to be with the local students from Gartan National School to launch this fabulous outdoor classroom.

"I would like to commend the OPW staff of the Glebe Gallery for their vision and creative initiative in bringing this wonderful concept for a new educational facility to fruition, including creating the inspirational surroundings which draw both on the cultural importance and beautiful setting of this special place to bring nature and biodiversity into the classroom."

The OPW will be progressing other exciting projects at the site to enhance visitors' enjoyment, including new, accessible pathways and walks as well as additional bog planting to create a wetland meadow. The new path will link the existing gravel path along the lakefront with the wildflower meadow. This will create a circular walk throughout the gardens and will allow visitors to discover lesser-known areas in the beautiful grounds of Glebe House.