President Michael D Higgins arrived to a rapturous reception in Abbeyleix this evening where he launched the Irish Wetlands Strategic Plan 2017 to 2020.
He spoke at length about the importance of wetlands and bogs, such as the one in Abbeyleix.
He praised the local community in Abbeyleix for its efforts to “restore and reinvigorate Abbeyleix Bog”.
“I look forward to taking a walk later in Abbeyleix Bog to see the fruits of the tremendous community initiative undertaken over the past number of years to restore and reanimate Abbeyleix Bog and its wetland habitat,” he said.
“I am also conscious that Abbeyleix Bog is just one project that has brought together community activists, local authorities and state agencies in many locations around the country in a virtuous collaboration towards protecting and restoring natural wetland ecosystem,” President Higgins said.
“Wetlands are a mosaic of beauty across Ireland. They are a place of serenity and are a place of wonder,” he said.
He described Ireland’s bogs as very “a very precious resource”.
He noted that there are 50 events behind held as part of the national biodiversity week.
Addressing the many local school children present, he said it was important that they grow up to be the activists of the future.
Chrisy Uys formally thanked the president. “Today is a wonderful day for the wetlands community for the acknowledgement you have given us,” he said.
He said there is a challenge posed by climate change.
“We can all change that change, even if it just through two square kilometres of land, south of Abbeyleix,” he said.
“Thank you for your endorsement here today,” Mr Uys said.
A reading of a poem on Abbeyleix Bog by Aidan Lynam from Spink was enthusiastically received and brought a handshake and hug from the President and poet.
The President then viewed a number of local projects on biodiversity before paying a visit to the bog.
More to follow …
