Green light for new sculpture in Clara

THE green light has been given to Clara Tidy Towns Committee for the construction of a new sculpture in Clara.

The proposed rain garden will be located within the curtilage of Clara Community and Family Resource Centre, which is the former Charlestown Catholic Chapel, and a protected structure.

The feature will involve the construction of rainwater planters and water intake sculptures.

The plans include wooden seating on the south facing wall below a canopy, a raised planter with biodiversity and sensory garden planting examples of these are fennel, sage, chives, marjoram, rosemary, lavender and nasturtium.

It will feature a water butt to allow for summer watering of the sensory garden and pocket pools.

There will be tall planting in places with wetland plants at interface with the footpath these will consist of yellowflag and bulrush.

Low-growing wildflower planting at the edge of the path, with various herbs and native Irish wildflowers along with meadowsweet, water mint, and yellowflag will be an aspect of the sculpture.

The proposed work will be limited to the curtilage of the protected structure and aimed at enhancing its surroundings with new soft landscaping and planting, bringing more community focus to the building.

Offaly County Council granted permission subject to 7 conditions. These have yet to be published.

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