President McAleese opens BirdWatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve to the public

11th June 2009 – Newcastle, Co. Wicklow

BirdWatch Ireland, Ireland’s largest conservation charity, was delighted this morning to welcome the organisation’s patron, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, to open its flagship 220 acre East Coast Nature Reserve at Newcastle, Co. Wicklow to the public.

Purchased in 2003, this former farmland been restored to a natural state, and is now home to a huge range of plants and animals.  It represents a wonderful resource for the people of the greater Dublin region, as well as for the country as a whole, and President McAleese was keen to point out the importance of the reserve for the children of the area.

The reserve opening coincided with BirdWatch Ireland’s 40th anniversary celebrations, and, with a backing of Skylark song, President McAleese warmly congratulated the charity’s volunteers and staff on reaching this historic milestone.

Oran O’Sullivan, BirdWatch Ireland’s CEO, said, “We are very happy to have President McAleese here to open the East Coast Nature Reserve to the public.  We look forward now to welcoming visitors to join us in enjoying the magnificent wildlife that has made its home here.”

Kieran Grace of BirdWatch Ireland said, “We are particularly honoured that President McAleese, our patron, has agreed to formally open our new flagship reserve to the public today during our 40th anniversary celebrations.  The formal opening of the reserve to the public represents a landmark day for the organisation.”

Mr. Grace continued, “The creation of a flagship reserve has been a long-term goal of BirdWatch Ireland for many years, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved here.  From today, the East Coast Nature Reserve is ready both for community and educational use, and we look forward to reaching out to schools and community groups to visit our reserve and offering them a fascinating insight into a unique habitat.”

Following a tree planting ceremony, President McAleese walked to the reserve’s new wildlife observation hide to meet the BirdWatch Ireland volunteers and supporters who have played such a vital role in the creation of the reserve.

For further details about BirdWatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve, including maps and directions, please visit our ECNR section.