“The Activity Garden is a wonderful amenity to have on a healthcare campus and I congratulate everyone who has been involved in bringing it from its initial conceptual stage to the physical completion we have today. In a true reflection of community development, there has been a strong partnership evident here in Enniscorthy between the HSE and Wexford County Council at each stage of this and other developments on the St John’s campus,” according to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, speaking at the recent official opening of a new Activity Garden feature on the grounds of St John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
Featuring an amphitheatre styled area, hedgerows and plantings, the garden will be a multi-functional space for gatherings and health and wellbeing activities in the heart of the HSE healthcare campus for its residents, staff and visitors. The project was supported as a placement incentive by Wexford County Council’s Culture and Creativity Team and Age Friendly programme, in partnership with the HSE, Creative Ireland, the Irish Architectural Foundation and the Enniscorthy Men’s Shed.
The development in Enniscorthy was also made possible through funding from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor noted how “outdoor community amenities are a vital support for physical and mental health and wellbeing, aligning with the goals of Healthy Ireland, our Framework supporting national health and wellbeing. The new Community Activity Garden here on the St John’s Community Hospital Campus is a wonderful community facility, enabling everyone, regardless of age or mobility status, to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting. I would really like to thank Creative Ireland, Ministers Calleary, Browne and everyone involved in supporting this garden’s development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, helping to create environments that enable everyone to participate in a healthier Ireland.”
The HSE began the Healthy Campus and Creative Garden project in 2020. Among the audience of guests for the opening ceremony were residents and users of some of the HSE facilities on site. Musical entertainment on the night was provided by the Enniscorthy branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Chairman of Wexford County Council Clr Joe Sullivan, in his remarks, noted how the project was a “wonderful example of community collaboration and creativity. The Activity Garden will provide a lasting resource for wellbeing, recovery, and connection.”
The Cathaoirleach of the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy was also present, in addition to Senior Executive Engineer Neville Shaw and Executive Technician Cat Fitzpatrick from Wexford County Council. Sinéad Reynolds, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for HSE Waterford/Wexford added that they were “all looking forward to the Activity Garden enabling patients, their companions or visitors and HSE staff on site at the St John’s Community Hospital campus to enjoy some fresh air and, during fine weather, offering an opportunity for outdoor events and activities.”
With an emphasis on Healthy Communities, this project underlines how working in partnership with other local bodies and authorities underpins the stated priorities in the HSE Corporate Plan in the area of Healthy Ageing by implementing “healthy ageing actions through Local Authorities’ age friendly structures.”