In a few sentences, how would you describe your IAP? What is its main focus or goal?
Our IAP will be a "living" document detailing experiences and leanings from URBACT BiodiverCity partners, a document that continues to evolve over time.The main focus of our IAP is to identify ways in which to enhance and monitor biodiversity in the city. It explores ways to measure/document species on site and develop actions to enhance urban areas further as habitat.
What local challenges or needs does your IAP address?
The main challenge for Limerick related to urban biodiversity are invasive species, urban sprawl /encroachment , anti-social behaviour , and inappropriate use of green space. Limerick looked for new ways of assigning value to biodiversity and ecosystems services , to protect and enhance the diverse range of green space under its remit. How to encourage and involve stakeholders in recording data and gathering baseline data.
What are the most innovative or inspiring elements of your plan?
The results of our small scale testing actions , the creation of a wildflower ID swatch for Limerick based on 25 wildflowers found locally. This is a tool we can use going forward to engage locals in data collection and education around the importance of native wildflowers. The simple nature of the swatch is very inclusive , allowing it to be used by all age groups and people who have no experience of recording/identifying flowers.
What are the most valuable lessons your city learned during the BiodiverCity project?
The inspiring best practices we have experienced first hand in our partner cities. The new and innovative methods we have learned to engage stakeholders and gather baseline data. Being inspired to take part in the City Nature Challenge in 2025 and to incorporate the learning from this event in our IAP. To start using data index implementation tools like the City Biodiversity Index as one of our actions to gather baseline data and build a record year on year to support planning around biodiversity.
Can you describe one good practice from your city that others could learn from?
Limerick was awarded an URBACT Good Practice Label , for its Horizon 2020 Go Green Routes project.The focus of the project is to enhance the physical and mental well-being of urban residents by increasing their connection to nature. Limerick City and County Council chose the Castletroy Greenway as a brown site blank canvas to deliver a sustainable, inclusive, co-created design for both the community and nature.
The landscape has been reshaped to create mounds covered in wildflowers and swales at low points and along paths. The project provided the opportunity to create linkages between fragmented (sub)urban green spaces and implement nature-based solutions that focus on contributing to green infrastructure in keeping with the principles of European Green Infrastructure Strategy. With a strong focus on natural play, the area has been remodelled to create a space of interest for young and old.
What was your favourite moment or memory from the BiodiverCity project?
We really enjoyed the workshop preparations and holding of our forest festival in March 2025 to coincide with Irish National Tree Week
If you could describe the project in three words, what would they be?
Supportive , Innovative , Green
Any final thoughts or messages for the URBACT and BiodiverCity community?
Thank you for all the learning opportunities , the chance to try new things and the great friends we made along the way!
