Long-term future of walled garden in doubt

VISITOR numbers to the Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush Wood “almost doubled” in 2012, Kilrush town clerk John Corry told last Thursday’s meeting of Kilrush Town Council. The council’s final meeting of 2012 was held at the walled garden centre. However, some councillors expressed their fears that a possible reduction in funding for the facility might impact upon the garden’s long-term viability.
“It would be a disaster for the community if it had to close,” Councillor Tom Prendeville said.
The meeting heard that Pobal will continue to fund wages for the garden supervisor and staff for 2013 but the town clerk said there is uncertainty regarding what funding will be available in 2014.
Mr Corry said at the Kilrush Amenity Trust meeting held on December 5, it was decided to advertise to establish if any individuals or a company would be interested in operating the garden, if public funding runs out.
The town clerk described this approach as “a back-up plan”. He also reported that the meeting had decided to provide free entry into the walled garden in the early part of 2013. It is also envisaged that the garden, which includes a tea and coffee shop, will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open on weekends. This will be on a trial basis early in the new year.
“What’s there at the moment is good but it can be improved upon,” Councillor Prendeville suggested, noting the provision of a museum is a possibility.
“We need cast-iron guarantees that this facility will be protected,” Councillor Liam Williams said of the picturesque garden.
Mayor of Kilrush, Mairéad O’Brien, told the town council that the Kilrush Amenity Trust meeting resolved to do their utmost to fight for the future of the garden.
“The feeling at the meeting was one of optimistic fear. We’re going to safeguard and fight for the future of the Vandeleur Walled Garden,” the town mayor stated.
Councillor Liam O’Looney suggested that if the garden is to be made more accessible to people who live in the town, the lane from Grace Street to the gardens should be upgraded for walkers.
“If we want people to use the facility, it should be done. The garden is only a five-minute walk from the town square,” he noted.
In conclusion, Mr Corry proposed that the council hold a meeting in January to draw up a priority list for capital projects in the lifetime of the town council, which is likely to dissolve permanently in June 2014.
These projects may include development work on the Vandeleur Walled Garden and the proposed development of a sports arena on the Cooraclare Road in the town.