These three benches will form three sides of a circle, for engagement with a group or for individuals to sit and contemplate

The project of achieving a community garden is now underway. We have managed to finally get the poplar trees felled and provide a space for our community garden to commence. Within our plan we have an area in the garden for our vulnerable adults and children to use a swing and be active and we have finally received the furniture items from Murray recycled products which we are extremely grateful for. We have seating too which will envelop an areas around an existing tree for reflection and is movable to have talks and discussions about developing each step of the project. We envisage the garden to be finished by year end 2025 and hope to start the next phase of it with grounds to be adjusted to house the growing allotment.
We will endeavour to keep you abreast of the running of the operation and feel the items purchased will be so beneficial to all involved. We appreciate all you have done for us.

We have a very exciting project to tell you about. After several delays owing to unforeseen circumstances we are now in a position to proceed with this wonderful project 'Portmarnock Health and Wellbeing Garden'. This garden will be a very special place enhancing biodiversity, sustainability. green spaces and landscaping, while providing a Sensory Garden planting area for the clients of the Arch Club and also for the local community. The provision of seating areas in this garden will be of huge importance to allow for restful and peaceful conversation in a tranquil area.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_4Zr_ANKQE6Y_hDYb3CzQZHbk17RkDo1Fl3TA_OgWec/edit#slide=id.g1e969c7964a_0_36

Action plan

Timeline: Jan-June 2023



When will you be able to start your project?  Early 2023, once funding is approved.



How often will your team meet? Monthly



Key dates:



Nov-Dec: 30day challenge

Dec-Jan: get approvals on location.

Jan- June: source materials, craftpeople and build.

Next Steps:

• Pick location
  
  
  
  • Check with owner of Velvet cafe area as to interest in temporary seating
  
  
  • Check with Fingal on timing for path
  
  
  • Check with Fingal on support for temporary seating
  
  
  
  


• Find craftsmen to build
  
  
  
  • Check with Men's Sheds on ability to cut out designs and/or build
  
  
  • Check with Mellon's carpenter on ability to cut out designs
  
  
  
  


• Finalise design and finish
  
  
  
  • Source materials
  
  
  • Select design
  
  
  
  

Budget:

You don't need to share exact prices, but please share how you're planning to spend the seed funding & what costs you're anticipating to get your project up and running:



Cost of materials (est EUR 150 per sheet, 125 to cut each sheet, x 6-10 per design choice) potentially labour to build, if need external non-volunteers; painting and planting (should be volunteer labour, cost of painting or flowers) depending on design and finish; potentially signage, to support local businesses who sponsor



Impact:

• How will your community benefit from this project?
  
  
  
  • Brings additional areas for community to sit, opening up either A) new open green area, next to pollinator friendly planting or B) removes parking space from a busy village and replaces it with community seating. Great chance to test out options and see community engagement.
  
  
  
  


• Do you have any measurable goals for your project such as the number of people that will participate?
  
  
  
  • 10-12, from project mgmt, to men's shed, to Fingal CoCo.
  
  
  • Convicing local businesses of the value of giving up one-two car parking spaces to use for community seating!
  
  
  
  


• Are you hoping to spread knowledge or increase interest in a specific subject?
  
  
  
  • Bring focus and attention to the Tidy Towns project, the pollinator plan and the value of biodiversity and community in building a more livable place for all.
  
  
  
  

Location: Portmarnock Village



If your project requires physical space, have you decided the location?Do you have all necessary permission and permits to carry out your project at the chosen location? Two options being considered:



1) Replace car parking space in front of shops in Portmarnock village

2) Create a new seating area in an exisitng greenspace, which currently is simply a pass through. Align the seating with the development of a path and wildflower/pollinator friendly area

Team photo attached, showing team out while scouting locations in the area!