Longford continues to grow with fruit tree orchard planned for the Mall

An Irish fruit tree orchard, and possibly a willow tunnel leading in and out of the orchard, is set to be installed in The Mall in Longford Town.

The motion was formally adopted during a recent meeting of the Longford Municipal District.

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Speaking at the meeting, Senior Executive Engineer Richard Smith said the orchard would consist of a variety of heritage Irish fruit trees consisting of pears, plums, apples, and hazelnuts, while the outer edges of the orchard would be lined with fruit bushes consisting of blackcurrants, red currants, and gooseberries.

In addition to the fruit trees, it is proposed to include signage displaying information on the varieties of fruit trees present.
Following discussions between David Barden, Adam Mulvihill, and landscape gardener Brendan Farrell, Mr Smith said a suitable site was located near to Mill Bridge.

He explained that they were cognisant of the need to preserve sight lines within the park and so it therefore may be prudent to limit the orchard area to just that immediately adjacent to Waterfront Dental, or to limit any extension into the area after the footbridge.

In response, Cllr Peggy Nolan described the idea as a fabulous one, but questioned why the orchard was not going to be placed in the land behind the swimming pool, an area she said people want to see being developed.

Cllr Nolan pointed out that opting for that area “instead of trying to squeeze it in” near Mill Bridge would also remove the council's concern of the orchard’s proximity to a flowing river which floods in parts.

In response, the Senior Executive Engineer explained that when Sports Partnership received a grant for the development of outdoor sports areas, part of that grant was for a biodiversity element.

For this they had received €18,750. In the original application for the grant, it was proposed that an orchard be developed specifically in The Mall.

Mr Smith went on to add, “The masterplan for that area (behind the swimming pool) isn’t ready to go at the moment so that’s why it has to fit somewhere in The Mall.

If we went up there now, it may cause issues in the future with other plans and the main issue I see putting an orchard up in that field is that the ground is more peat-based soil. It’s very heavy peat-based soil which might be an issue for the likes of fruit trees which tend to prefer dryer soils.”

Taking on board Mr Smith’s explanation, Cllr Nolan said she would “definitely propose its adoption.” Seconding the adoption was Cllr Kevin Hussey.

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Having now received approval from the Municipal District to proceed, the council will move forward with developing the signage and procuring suitable trees and bushes.

The chamber was informed that in the event of any excess trees remaining after the orchard was planted, they would be distributed throughout local community groups such as Tidy Towns.