Page 21 - The Iveagh Trust AR 2023

Annual Report 2023 19
THE IVEAGH TRUST’S OTHER DUBLIN 8 COMMUNITY
A Hub for Biodiversity
On one side of our Dublin 8 estate, Kevin Street, a dedicated group of volunteer gardeners meets regularly to tend to the community garden. On the other side, Lynn Fitzpatrick, a long-term resident of the Iveagh Trust, keeps bees on the rooftop of Moyne House.
Lynn, who has a background in horticulture, started the beekeeping initiative at the Iveagh Trust about two years ago.
The rooftop of Moyne House currently has two colonies, and each colony consists of around 80,000 bees during the peak season, although this number reduces to about 10,000 in winter. “The Native Irish Bee is as Irish
as St. Patrick or Guinness and they need
to be conserved”, says Lynn. Her family has resided in our Bull Alley Estate for four generations.
“Over in Kevin Street, you have trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens. I have no doubt that the bees here are flying to Kevin Street and pollinating those plants”, says Lynn.
The Iveagh Trust has long been dedicated to fostering vibrant and sustainable communities. These initiatives have already seen positive engagement from residents. At Moyne House, residents take a keen interest in beekeeping activities, often stopping to ask questions and learn more about bees and their essential role in our environment.
In a good season, one hive can produce 27 kgs of honey or more, however an average hive would be able to produce 11 kg surplus. Lynn, mindful of the bees’ health, refrains from removing honey during the winter months. However, in better
seasons, she distributes surplus honey to elderly residents at Moyne House.
At our Kevin Street estate, the community garden was started by a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about gardening. They meet regularly and tend to the garden with the help of our estate staff. The garden provides a space for children and adults
to connect with nature and understand the critical role of biodiversity.