Celebrating Landscape Enhancements on 4 Roundabouts

Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce the successful landscape enhancement of four prominent roundabouts in the Ferrybank area of South Kilkenny, thanks to the generous sponsorship of local businesses. This initiative exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in delivering vibrant, biodiversity-friendly green spaces within the public realm.

Over the past year, four leading local businesses have each sponsored a roundabout as part of Kilkenny County Council’s Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme:

•  Dawn Meats
• Mulligans Pharmacy & Café
• MEDITE SMARTPLY
• Port of Waterford

The landscape designs were prepared and overseen by Kilkenny County Council and implemented, along with first-year maintenance, by Fairybush Landscapes.

A formal launch was held onsite with representatives from each sponsor, joined by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael McCarthy and Chairperson of the Municipal District, Cllr. Ger Frisby. It was a splendid occasion, with all parties expressing delight at the quality, presentation, and long-term value of the new landscapes.

Newrath Roundabout – Sponsored by Dawn Meats

Serving as a key gateway into Waterford City and Kilkenny County, this roundabout features a bold three-tiered design. At its core is a densely planted native micro forest using the Japanese Miyawaki method, encircled by a traditional hay meadow and framed with low-cut verges to maintain sightlines.

The ecological value of this approach is already evident: over 50 orchids were recorded in bloom this spring, alongside cowslips, cuckoo flower, and ragged robin. Four handcrafted bug hotels have also been installed to shelter beneficial insects and highlight the role of urban spaces in biodiversity conservation.

“We are thrilled to be part of the South Kilkenny roundabout enhancement project. The incorporation of a micro forest and natural meadow not only beautifies our community but also promotes biodiversity and environmental sustainability.”

— Paul Nolan & Mary Hennigan, Dawn Meats

Slieverue Roundabout – Sponsored by Port of Waterford

Positioned near the Port and Ferrybank, this roundabout features two large, colourful flower beds alongside a native wildflower meadow, managed traditionally for biodiversity. Provision has also been made for a future pathway connection as part of the Windmill Route initiative.

 This design combines beauty with function, serving both road users and the surrounding community.

 “This scheme will serve as a remarkable showcase for the Southeast region – creating an inviting entrance to Slieverue, Ferrybank, and beyond.”

— David Sinnott, Port of Waterford

Belmont Roundabout – Sponsored by MEDITE SMARTPLY

Sustainability leader Medite Smartply has sponsored this roundabout in alignment with its environmental values. At its heart is another Miyawaki-style micro forest, surrounded by a wildflower meadow and enhanced by four bespoke bug hotels made from Medite Tricoya Extreme – a durable, weather-resistant product produced by the company.

“When approached by Kilkenny County Council, the project immediately resonated with us. Creating habitat, supporting pollinators, and using our materials creatively to foster biodiversity reflects our ongoing commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.”

— Neil Foot, CEO, MEDITE SMARTPLY

Ferrybank Road Roundabout – Sponsored by Mulligans Pharmacy & Café

Located adjacent to the Ferrybank Primary Care Centre, this roundabout bursts with pollinator-friendly perennials that provide colour and nectar from spring through autumn. The design enhances the welcoming feel of the area, inviting visitors to explore nearby amenities – including Mulligans Café.

“We are proud to support this fantastic local initiative, which enhances the Ferrybank area and encourages community connection.”

— Ronan Mulligan, Mulligans Pharmacy & Café

As the Council’s Landscape Architect working within the Capital Delivery Office & Parks Department, Thomas Moore, would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of the sponsoring companies. It was a pleasure to work with them on this project, and I greatly appreciate their support for a design approach that enhances biodiversity while also contributing positively to the visual character of the public realm. These roundabouts are not only eye-catching – they are also ecologically meaningful spaces that support pollinators, native flora, and sustainable landscaping.

Kilkenny County Council extends its heartfelt thanks to all participating businesses for backing this forward-thinking initiative. These roundabouts now complement nearby public amenities such as Ferrybank Neighbourhood Park and Slieverue Linear Park, and the South East Greenway standing as living examples of how community and commerce can come together to create greener, healthier, and more beautiful public spaces.