A new online resource profiling wetland sites that the public can visit and enjoy in county Limerick, features a number of local amenities.
Limerick City & County Council’s Biodiversity Office has launched the ‘Limerick Wetland Wealth’ StoryMap, which includes descriptions of the different wetland habitats throughout Limerick, their locations and a list of educational resources for people who wish to learn more about the importance of wetlands in our ecosystems, including communities, schools and landowners.
Wetlands are unique habitats that are strongly influenced by, and dependant on, water. They support a large number of different plant and animal species. We also rely on healthy wetland habitats to provide us with clean water, food, and flood protection.
The StoryMap follows a mapping and inventory project of all wetlands in the county, which was Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd, who was commissioned to undertake in 2024 by Limerick County Council. The project identified the location of 314 potential wetland in County Limerick, 84 of which occur within protected areas.
Some of the examples of wetlands to visit highlighted on the map include the Galtee Mountains (SAC) – Paradise Loop Walk; Griston Bog in Ballylanders, the Ballyhoura Looped Walks, as well as the Loobagh Walk, Kilmallock.
The launch of the resource comes as Limerick City and County Council recently celebrated World Wetlands Day (February 2nd) with a public outing at Westfields Wetlands in Limerick City. The day highlighted the urgent need to protect wetlands as ecosystems, to ensure they continue supporting biodiversity.
Limerick City & County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Sinead McDonnell, said the StoryMap is a valuable resource.
“The ‘Limerick Wetland Wealth’ StoryMap is a wonderful resource to raise awareness of Limerick’s Wetlands and their value both as an important nature habitat and for the variety of ecosystem services they provide to humans for free. We rely on healthy wetland habitats to provide us with clean water, food, and flood protection. This new map now provides information and education on their importance at people’s fingertips – both those living in the county and those intended to come here and explore.”
The StoryMap was prepared by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd on behalf of Limerick City and County Council and can be accessed via www.limerick.ie/council/newsroom/news/
