Sod turned at Enniscorthy Activity Garden

By Dan Walsh at St. John’s Community Hospital Campus

At a special ceremony today, the sod was turned on the Activity Garden at St. John’s Community Hospital Campus, Enniscorthy. When completed the Garden will be a multi-functional space for gathering, health and social activities in the heart of the hospital.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council told the fine attendance that he was “absolutely delighted to turn the sod at the site that will become St. John’s Community Activity Garden. It will be a wonderful facility for the entire community across Enniscorthy town and its surrounding district.

“I want to commend everyone who played a part in preparing the plans especially District Manager Claire Lawless, Executive Engineer Neville Shaw and Executive Technician Pat Fitzpatrick.

“This development is possible thanks to the government’s Town & Village Renewal and €34,000 secured for this project back in 2022.

“When we see a picture of the plans we get a sense of the long-lasting impact of the facility. The Activity Garden will be a massive bonus for the patients of St. John’s Community Hospital. It will enable the patients, when the weather is fine to enjoy some fresh air and offers an exciting opportunity for open-air events here at St. John’s. Enniscorthy will have a high-quality open space available to everyone in the community. I wish everyone the best of luck with the delivery of the project, and I look forward to its opening in the very near future.”

Minister James Browne described the occasion as “a really important day” and expressed his delight at seeing Activity Garden and amphitheatre finally beginning in Enniscorthy. “It is absolutely wonderful”, he said.

Minister Browne went on to compliment Monageer Contract Ltd who will carry out the work, he showed appreciation to Wexford County Council for funding the project and thanked Minister Heather Humphreys whom he described as “a very good friend to County Wexford.”

There were also contributions from Sinead Reynolds, Health Area Manager Wexford Waterford, Denise Rogers, Lead of the Development of a Creative Garden for St. John’s Campus, and Derval Howley, Head of Health and Wellbeing HSE who made everybody feel welcome and was master of ceremonies.

The creative enhancement of Enniscorthy Activity Garden on the grounds of St. John’s Community Hospital is a placement incentive by Wexford County Council Culture and Creativity team and Age Friendly programme in partnership with the Health Service (HSE) and Creative Ireland and the Irish Architectural Foundation.