IN a bid to become the most sustainable racecourse in Ireland, Limerick racecourse last week planted a ‘mini forest’ of 2,500 trees at it Patrickswell venue.
The eco-friendly move came as the Limerick Racecourse joined the 100 Million Trees Project, a national initiative which aims to plant 100 million native Irish trees nationwide across the coming decade.
The community-driven initiative, founded by brothers Richard and David Mulcahy, set itself the goal of helping reverse the “immense environmental damage caused by the reduction of forests worldwide and the loss of huge areas of biodiversity”.
Joining the initiative to help solidify its reputation as Ireland’s most sustainable racecourse, the Limerick Racecourse planted 2,500 trees at its site on Friday last (December 8)
Commenting on the project, racecourse manager Tom Rudd said: “Limerick Racecourse’s mission to be the most sustainable racecourse in Ireland and planting native trees on the land is just one of many positive steps we are taking to reach our ultimate goal.”
“The mini forest is dedicated to Fergus O’Toole, a former director and the late husband of Vicki O’Toole, a current director of Limerick Racecourse, as this is a project she is immensely passionate about.”
Ms O’Toole added: “Limerick Racecourse are on a ‘Racing for Change’ sustainable journey and are thrilled to participate in planting of 2,500 native trees donated by the wonderful 100 Million Trees Project.”
“There is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm building by friends of the racecourse to transform a site visible from the entrance to the racecourse and the Hugh Mc Mahon Stand.
“The mini forest will be aptly dedicated to our deceased director Fergus O’Toole. We have no doubt that our endeavours today will benefit many future generations visiting the Limerick Racecourse.”
Sustainability measures already underway at Limerick Racecourse include the installation of new LED lights on the driveway, parade ring, car park, and tote hall; the installation of hand dryers to replace paper towels; track irrigation using rainwater from the racecourse pond; recycling shavings and manure from the stables; and a sustainable gardening programme to attract pollinators.
The 100 Million Trees Project aims to reach its lofty goal by planting between 500 and 2,500 native Irish trees on plots across the country using the ‘Miyawaki method’ of recreating forrested areas by overplanting areas which had previously been planted in an effort to restore degraded land.
