A WALK – or a cycle or a drive – on the wild side is what it’s all about with the launch of the ‘Limerick Wetland Wealth’ StoryMap which aims to raise awareness of county’s wetland habitats.
The map is a new online resource profiling wetland sites the public can visit and enjoy in county Limerick.
It 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 created by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd and commissioned in 2024 by Limerick City and County Council. The project identified the location of 314 potential wetland in County Limerick, 84 of which occur within protected areas.
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Limerick City and County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Sinead McDonnell, commented: “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 launch of the resource comes as Limerick City and County Council recently celebrated World Wetlands Day (February 2) with a public outing at Westfields Wetlands in Limerick City. The day is intended to highlight the urgent need to protect wetlands as ecosystems, to ensure they continue supporting biodiversity.
The ‘Limerick Wetland Wealth’ StoryMap was prepared by Wetland Surveys Ireland Ltd on behalf of Limerick City and County Council.
The StoryMap can be accessed via Limerick.ie.
