ESB sub-station is canvas for new mural showcasing wildlife in county Tipperary town

The dull exterior of an ESB sub-station in Carrick-on-Suir has been transformed into an eye-catching art work depicting local flora and fauna.

The facade of the sub-station, located at Tanners Gate near Carrick’s Lidl supermarket, is now adorned with beautiful paintings of birds, animals and plants that live and grow in the River Suir and on its banks.

Alan Wells is the artist who created the mural that depicts swift, owl and heron birds, an otter, salmon, bat, wild flowers and willow as well as other plants and creatures.

The mural was commissioned by Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club, which plans similar artistic facelifts on other ESB sub-stations dotted around the town.

Brian White of Carrick Lions Club said the Club secured funding from the Community Foundation of Ireland to create biodiversity signage in the town highlighting the wildlife to be found in the Lower Suir Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Rather than create new signage, the Club decided to use the ESB sub-station for an extra purpose.

Mr White said there are a dozen ESB sub-stations around Carrick and the Lions Club would love to turn more of their facades into art works showcasing the town’s wildlife.