Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian was joined by Cllr. Joe Fox, Cathaoirleach of Trim MD, Brian Heffernan, Chairperson of Trim Tidy Towns, Dara McGowan, Director of Services (Meath County Council) and Cllr. Ronan Moore, Vice Chairperson of Trim Tidy Towns this week at the launch of the URBACT Integrated Action Plan and the Elder Tree Project at the new home of Prosper Trim on Emmet St.
The URBACT Integrated Action Plan aims to build upon the good work already undertaken in Trim and sets out actions to integrate Sustainable Development Goals on a local level. This Action Plan has been created through a participative approach that is based on strong partnerships between Meath County Council, the private sector, community groups and civil society. This participative approach was enabled through the creation of a local body, the URBACT Local Group, which comprised of local citizens and community groups. The URBACT Local Group were crucial partners in co-producing the Integrated Action Plan and in identifying actions to be pursued that will allow the localisation of Sustainable Development Goals within Trim.
One such action that was identified was the 10,000 Tree Elder Project. This ambitious Trim Tidy Towns project aims to plant over 10,000 native trees and shrubs in Trim and its environs, for every citizen of Trim, over the next 10 years. To mark the launch of the project six fruit trees were planted at the new home of Prosper Trim on Emmet Street.
Reflective of the collaborative process that was undertaken to produce the URBACT Integrated Action Plan, the Elder Tree project will work with a range of stakeholders including Trim Municipal District, landowners, and residents’ associations to create a legacy of positive biodiversity and climate action that will span for many decades.
Speaking at the event Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nick Killian said, “This is a strong example whereby working together, local authorities, businesses and communities can create strong partnerships and collaborate closely to ensure the achievement and advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals”.
Vice-chair of Trim Tidy Towns Cllr. Ronan Moore said, “One of the elements of the Elder Tree project that we are most proud of is the extent of community collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including community and sporting groups such as Prosper Meath and Trim G.A.A.; local schools and residents’ associations; as well as the Municipal and County Council, whom we have also teamed up with to incorporate this project into an EU funded URBACT project. Working with each group we have been able to identify planting sites for native or near-native species of trees and hedging that are both beneficial for pollinators and suitable and appropriate for the locations chosen”.
Cllr. Moore concluded by inviting anyone who might be interested in taking part in the project whether a community group, business, or homeowner to please get in contact with Trim Tidy Towns through their Facebook page or by emailing trimtidytowns1@gmail.com.
