Waterford and Kilkenny businesses join forces to transform roundabouts into biodiversity havens

Four prominent roundabouts in the Ferrybank suburb of Waterford city, Slieverue and Newrath areas have been injected with some green-fingered magic, thanks to a dynamic public-private partnership with leading local businesses in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council.

This initiative highlights the impact of community collaboration in creating attractive, biodiversity-rich open spaces.

Through Kilkenny Council’s 'Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme', four local businesses - Dawn Meats, the Port of Waterford, Medite Smartply and Mulligans Pharmacy & Café - each sponsored a roundabout. 

The landscaping proposals were designed by Kilkenny County Council and a subsequent tender for the installation and maintenance was awarded to Fairybush Landscaping Ltd.

A formal launch took place recently, attended by sponsor representatives, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael McCarthy, and the Piltown Municipal District Chairperson, Cllr. Ger Frisby, along with officials from the Council’s Capital Delivery Office and Parks Department.

At the launch, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael McCarthy, said: “Initiatives of this nature are extremely important in helping tackle biodiversity loss. While this may be considered a small intervention it had the power to raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity. 

"The culmination of lots of small measures, including those in private gardens, has the power to tilt the balance back in the favour of biodiversity gain, which is so important to us all.” 

The R448 Newrath Roundabout, sponsored by Dawn Meats, features a three-tiered layout with a dense micro forest-planted centre, using the Miyawaki method, surrounded by a traditional hay meadow, along with a cut grass outer perimeter. 

This spring, over 50 native orchids were recorded in bloom among many other native flower species, and four handcrafted bug hotels have been installed to support local insect biodiversity. 

Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager, and Mary Hennigan, CSR Community and Charity Champion of Dawn Meats, said they were proud to support a project that not only enhances the locality visually but also promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship.

At the N29 Slieverue Roundabout, sponsored by the Port of Waterford, colourful floral displays and a native wildflower meadow create an attractive and functional space. The design layout of this roundabout, which extends to over one acre, also provides for pathways through the roundabout to facilitate the future transportation of long wind turbine blades from the Port onto the main road network. 

David Sinnott, CEO of the Port of Waterford, noted his “delight in partnering with Kilkenny County Council on this exciting initiative that promotes a better environment, while also visually enhancing the area for the people living, working and visiting south County Kilkenny and Waterford City.”

Belmont Roundabout, sponsored by Medite Smartply, includes another Miyawaki-style micro central forest, surrounded by a wildflower meadow and manicured grass perimeter. 

Four bespoke bug hotels, crafted from Medite’s own weather-resistant Tricoya Extreme panels, when installed, will further highlight the company’s dedication to sustainability. 

Neil Foot, CEO, Medite Smartply, said that the project aligned perfectly with their values and their mission to support biodiversity and the creative use of sustainable materials. 

The Ferrybank Road Roundabout, located beside the Ferrybank Primary Care Centre and sponsored by Mulligan's Pharmacy & Café, is filled with pollinator-friendly perennials that provide colour and nectar from spring through autumn. 

Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan's Pharmacy said he was delighted to be part of a project that "will enhance the local area and help build a stronger sense of community”. 

Cllr. Ger Frisby, Chairperson of the Piltown Municipal District, thanked the generosity of the four sponsoring local companies, saying that each company was making an important contribution to the lives of the people of south County Kilkenny and Waterford City. 

He said the feedback from the public was extremely positive and looked forward to the planting schemes maturing into the future. 

Thomas Moore, Landscape Architect with Kilkenny County Council, said of the roundabouts, “(these) are living, functional green spaces that support pollinators, native flora and sustainable landscaping practices". 

Frank Stafford, A/Senior Engineer, with Kilkenny County Council, said the initiative complements nearby public amenities, such as Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park, Slieverue Linear Park and the soon to be open second phase of the South-East Greenway, and stands as a strong example of how stakeholders can work together to shape greener, healthier and more beautiful public outdoor spaces.