World Wetlands Day launched in Wicklow town
■ The Irish launch of World Wetlands Day in Wicklow town.
WICKLOW TOWN was the location for the national launch of World Wetlands Day on Thursday.
Organised by the Heritage Office of Wicklow County Council on behalf of the Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee (IRWC), the event marked the first of a number of events taking place across Ireland based on the theme ' WetlandsLeisure and Tourism'.
At the Launch, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Sylvester Bourke commented on that Wicklow is fortunate to have a great diversity of rivers, lakes and coastal areas which all contribute greatly to the quality of life for residents and tourists.
Speaking at the event Eamon de Buitléar, explained the fundamental, and often underappreciated role of wetlands in our everyday lives, in particular when it comes to flood protection and pollution control, and showed some specially selected film footage on this topic.
Chair of the IRWC, Karin Dubsky launched the new website www.irishwetlands.ie which provides a wealth of information and guidance on wetlands in Ireland. Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer outlined some of the recent exciting initiatives that have taken place in County Wicklow, including the production of a County Wicklow Wetlands map and the development of a series of interpretation signage along the coast under the theme of 'Wicklow's Living Coast'.
As part of this project, the Council has developed a new website, www.wicklowcoast.com , in partnership with Wicklow County Tourism. The website highlights the wonderful natural heritage and history of the Wicklow coast along with information for tourists, and the latest events and activities.
As part of the celebrations, Dick Coombes from Birdwatch Ireland led a well attended guided nature walk from County Buildings to the Murrough and back along by the Leitrim River. For further information on Wetland Habitats in Wicklow or to have items featured in the Wicklowcoast website, contact Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council dburns@wicklowcoco.ie.
