Biodiversity study could boost tourism potential

Did you know there are three different species of bats living under the bridge in Kilcullen? writes Brian Byrne. Or that there are some quite important plants in the Valley park?

The truth is, we actually don’t even know officially the extent and diversity of the plant and animal life in the environs of the river banks in Kilcullen.

So Kilcullen Community Action is underwriting a project to bring us all up to date on the matter. In the process, it will be providing what could be an important element in the town’s tourism potential.

Environmental tourism is very much a growth element in why visitors come to Ireland. And the combination of a Camphill Nature Walk initiative and a biodiversity study promoted by KCA could make Kilcullen an attractive destination for such tourism.

The Bridge Camphill Nature Walk project has been in construction for some time and is now close to completion. It will provide a walkway not just along the banks of the Liffey on the Bridge community property, but also takes in the extensive farming activities which make the community very self-sustaining.

KCA hopes to extend this project through the Valley park, with the Biodiversity Study providing the knowledge that can be used for appropriate signage along the properties on both sides of the bridge.

At a recent meeting, KCA decided to put a submission to the Kildare Leader Partnership to fund the Study, which will be carried out by a professional in the area.

There’s a saying, ’great oaks from little acorns grow’. We have more than small acorns on our riverside, and even greater things than oaks might come from them.



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