Page 21 - Iveagh Trust

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.