It all started in October 2009 when Cadogan’s Strand Coastcare Group in Schull came together to clean-up and create a picnic area in where is known locally as Cadogan’s Strand, to the east of the village of Schull. They applied to WCDP for assistance towards this project, and were approved grant assistance of €44,200 (75%) with local funds of €15,000 (25%). In the beginning the group had a vision for how they would develop the beach amenity, however through Schull Tidy Towns the opportunity arose to enter a competition for Diarmuid Gavin to design the garden. In early 2010 they found out they had won the competition!
With Diarmuid now on board, the project design took on a life of its own. Diarmuid brought a new vision that increased the scale, scope and budget of the project. The group spent many hours fundraising for their new amenity, while at the same time working on building what became known as Trá an Oileáin. The group have created a fantastic amenity for their village with picnic areas, seating taking advantage of the view out of the harbour and access to the water for small watercraft. Since the opening of the Garden in November 2010, the group have won many awards –just last month they won the Co-Operation Ireland All Island Pride of Place for Best Community Tourism Project. The group had a vision, with some hard work and determination they have achieved A Garden for the entire community of Schull.
For more visit http://mizenonline.com/images/2011/schull_garden/Schull%20Garden.htm
Take a look at the project in action here.
