Greening of Portlaoise: A Town in a Garden

The concept of "A Town in a Garden" aims to transform Portlaoise into a lush, green urban area that seamlessly integrates nature into the daily lives of its residents.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town (PLCT) project and reflects the broader goals of sustainability, enhanced quality of life, and climate resilience.

  1. Key initiatives and projects
  2. Climate resilience
  3. Benefits of a 'Town in a Garden'

Key initiatives and projects

Pollinator-friendly plantings

  • Spring bulbs: Planting 300,000 pollinator-friendly spring bulbs across the town. These bulbs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces but also provide crucial habitats and food sources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
  • Native trees: Planting 35,000 native trees throughout the town centre. Native trees are vital for maintaining local biodiversity, supporting wildlife, improving air quality, and sequestering carbon.

Greening urban spaces

  • Pollinator-friendly roundabouts: 9 roundabouts were upgraded from cobbles or hard ground to planting of pollinator-friendly plants. These roundabouts act as mini-habitats within the urban landscape, promoting biodiversity and creating visually appealing entry points into different areas of the town.
  • Urban orchards: Creating urban orchards that provide both environmental and community benefits. These orchards will offer local fruit production, educational opportunities, and community gathering spaces.
  • Meadow conversions: Converting grasslands and roadside verges into meadows. Meadows support a wider range of plant and animal species than traditional lawns, contributing to biodiversity and creating a more resilient ecosystem.

Educational and interactive elements

  • Information signs: Installed 40 different information signs throughout the town. These signs will educate residents and visitors about the various species and habitats present in Portlaoise, as well as the benefits of biodiversity and sustainable practices.
  • An Choill Beag: Four ‘An Choill Beag’ (Small woodlands) have been established across Portlaoise. These small woodlands provide hands-on learning opportunities for students and foster a connection to nature from a young age.
  • Biodiversity demonstration garden: A biodiversity demonstration garden has been established at the Laois education centre. The garden serves as a living classroom. It showcase biodiversity and pollinator-friendly habitats and project.

Community engagement and support

  • Collaboration with local organisations: We have collaborated with HSE, GAA, Rugby Club, and other local organizations to promote and support biodiversity initiatives. These collaborations ensure broad community involvement and the sustainability of the projects.
  • Biodiversity Action Plan: Implementing a 5-year Biodiversity Action Plan to guide ongoing efforts and ensure the long-term success of the greening initiatives. This plan will outline specific goals, actions, and metrics to measure progress.

Enhanced public spaces

  • Greening of public spaces: Enhancing parks, streets, and other public spaces with green infrastructure. This includes planting trees, creating green walls and roofs, and integrating natural elements into urban design.
  • Exposure of the River Triogue: The Triogue greenway will enhance and ensure the river Triogue is a central feature of Portlaoise. The Triogue way spans from Summerhill through the People’s Park, along the Triogue and into the linear park. The Triogue way increases opportunities for active travel to work and schools in Portlaoise.

Climate resilience

Flood management

  • Natural water retention: By increasing green spaces and planting trees, the town can enhance its natural water retention capabilities, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
  • River Triogue enhancement: Uncovering and improving the River Triogue will enhance its ability to manage storm-water and reduce flood risks in surrounding areas.

Heat mitigation

  • Urban tree canopy: Expanding the urban tree canopy helps to lower temperatures in the town, mitigating the urban heat island effect and providing cooler areas during heatwaves.
  • Green roofs and walls: Implementing green roofs and walls can reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings, lowering cooling costs and improving indoor comfort.

Sustainable water use

  • Rain gardens and bioswales: Integrating rain gardens and bioswales into urban design to capture and reuse rainwater, reducing the strain on storm-water systems and conserving water resources.
  • Water-efficient landscaping: Promoting water-efficient landscaping practices to minimize water usage while maintaining vibrant green spaces.

Biodiversity and ecosystem services

  • Habitat creation: Establishing diverse habitats within urban areas enhances biodiversity, which in turn strengthens ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and soil health.
  • Carbon sequestration: Increased vegetation, including trees and meadows, helps sequester carbon, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Benefits of "A Town in a Garden"

  • Environmental quality: Improved air and water quality, reduced urban heat island effect, and enhanced ecosystem services.
  • Biodiversity: Increased habitats for native species, improved pollinator populations, and a more resilient urban ecosystem.
  • Community health and wellbeing: Access to green spaces promotes physical and mental health, providing areas for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction.
  • Educational opportunities: Hands-on learning experiences for students and residents, fostering a deeper understanding of and commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Economic value: Increased property values, tourism opportunities, and potential cost savings through ecosystem services and reduced environmental management costs.
  • Climate resilience: Enhanced capacity to manage climate-related risks such as flooding and heatwaves, ensuring a safer and more sustainable urban environment.

The "Town in a Garden" initiative exemplifies Portlaoise's commitment to creating a sustainable, vibrant, and liveable urban environment. By integrating green spaces into the heart of the town, Portlaoise is setting a standard for other communities to follow, demonstrating that urban development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience can go hand in hand.