West Dublin community initiative enhances native biodiversity
In west Dublin, the once small town of Clondalkin is now home to nearly 50,000 people. Expansion of the town in recent years has led to more urban sprawl and fewer spaces of native plants throughout the community.
Earlier in 2023, local nonprofit Trees on the Land responded to the issue of shrinking green space by launching an initiative with One Tree Planted, and Microsoft to plant 8,250 trees of 17 different species in the 2.04 acres of Peamount Hospital and surrounding areas. At each of the sites, the trees were planted to benefit landscape infrastructure and communities involved. At each of the sites, landscape infrastructure was improved to benefit the communities involved.
More than 200 Microsoft Ireland volunteers joined the Clondalkin community to complete the initiative over a three-week time period.
“These 8,000 trees would not have been planted without the support given by the team of volunteers from Microsoft Ireland and community leaders in west Dublin,” said Imogen Rabone, founder and coordinator of Trees on the Land.
At Peamount Healthcare, parkland trees and small wooded areas were added to the otherwise bare paddocks, and new areas of native woodland and hedgerows were planted into other areas around the Peamount campus. The new trees will increase the canopy cover and create a more peaceful and wildlife friendly environment for both patients and healthcare workers. The planting of the new orchard will also provide a source of fruit in the future.
“We very much appreciate the Microsoft Ireland team for all their support and efforts to bring this important tree planting initiative to life,” said Peamount Healthcare CEO, Tanya King. “By helping to create more natural green spaces, Peamount Healthcare service users, their families, and the local community can come to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the natural environment.”
Native trees were also planted at the Round Towers GAA pitch and at the Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre to provide a habitat and shelter for birds, mammals, and insects. Native tree cover in the form of hedgerows was planted close to roads and in a network around the community to help reduce air pollution from road traffic.
As urban areas continue to expand, there is a growing need for communities to preserve, protect, and enhance natural spaces and biodiversity. Microsoft is committed to continuing its support for people and NGOs across west Dublin as they build a more sustainable community.
Learn more about how Microsoft is supporting the Clondalkin community in its efforts to enhance biodiversity and find out more about our local partners at:
“These 8,000 trees would not have been planted without the support given by the team of volunteers from Microsoft Ireland and community leaders in west Dublin.”—Imogen Rabone, founder and coordinator of Trees on the Land