New sensory garden officially opens in Mayo

The newly developed Sensory Garden in Ballina has been officially opened this afternoon (Friday, September 25) by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary.

The garden received €54,570 in funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024 and has been developed as a calming and therapeutic outdoor space for people with sensory needs.

Officially opening the facility in his hometown, Minister Calleary praised the community organisations involved in bringing the project to life.

The garden is designed to provide an inclusive outdoor sanctuary for those with additional needs, disabilities, or living with health conditions.

“I am delighted to be here in my hometown to witness the great work that has been completed here in this sensory garden through the Community Recognition Fund,” Minister Calleary said.

“This space will provide a calming and therapeutic environment for all, particularly children and adults with additional needs, disabilities or those living with an illness or health condition.”

He paid tribute to Western Care, Flow Community Project and Ballina Community Clean-up for their work on the project, describing their efforts as “trojan work”.

The garden also received €65,000 in funding in 2021 from then Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte. Minister Calleary also thanked Senator Anne Rabbitte for her commitment to the project.

The Community Recognition Fund was introduced in 2023 to recognise the efforts of communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.

The new sensory garden adds another community facility to Ballina, providing a dedicated space designed to support wellbeing, inclusion and participation.

See a full report from the launch from our reporter Jack Good in the print edition of Tuesday’s Mayo News.