Community Turnout for “Greening of Terenure” Meeting Highlights Appetite for Biodiversity and Urban Greening

Yesterday, 1st April, a packed public meeting on ‘The Greening of Terenure’ took place at the Terenure Enterprise Centre, hosted by Ivana Bacik TD and Councillor Fiona Connelly, with special guest speaker Éanna Ní Lamhna.

The meeting brought together residents, community groups, environmental activists and local stakeholders to discuss practical steps to enhance biodiversity, climate action, and greening initiatives across Terenure and Dublin Bay South’s urban villages.

Speaking after the event, Deputy Bacik said:

“Last night’s energising meeting showcased the growing momentum within local communities to create greener, more resilient urban villages. Local residents contributed a wide range of positive and practical ideas focused on tree planting, pollinator-friendly planting, community growing spaces, protecting green corridors, and strengthening partnerships between residents, businesses, voluntary groups, and Dublin City Council.

“Biodiversity matters. It keeps our communities looking beautiful but it also has so many benefits for public health, climate action, wellbeing, and strengthening communities’ ties with their neighbourhoods and parks.

“The reverse is sadly true; biodiversity loss risks costing us everything. That has been highlighted by the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and the Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The recommendations of those assemblies are strong but they are meaningless without ambition and funding from central Government.

“I am so grateful to broadcaster extraordinaire Éanna Ní Lamhna for sharing her expertise, good humour and enthusiasm with our group. Our meeting concluded on an uplifting note with a shared recognition that gardens, parks, verges and community spaces all play a vital role in biodiversity. I hope last night will mark the beginning of a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to making Terenure – and Dublin Bay South’s other urban villages – more verdant, healthy and more biodiverse places for everyone.”

Councillor Connelly said:

“There was a real sense of possibility and community spirit in the room last night. People want to see greener streets, more trees, and spaces where biodiversity can flourish. Most importantly, they want to be part of making that happen.

“Special tribute was paid to the many voluntary groups already working tirelessly across Terenure and Dublin Bay South, tree planting, organising weekly community clean-ups, promoting pollinator-friendly planting and habitat restoration. These volunteers are the backbone of local environmental action. As a City Councillor, I want to work to ensure that the Council supports these initiatives because these groups are already making a tangible difference.

“Examples like the Dodder Greenway show the benefits of connecting people with nature in urban areas. Even in its partially completed state, the project is already creating new habitats and ecosystems, while preserving existing biodiversity, including the kingfisher, and providing an invaluable amenity for our community.”