We have the most beautiful Community Orchard in Kinsale. This is THE LAST remaining public space in Kinsale where we have access to a little slice of wildness for community groups to gather- with established fruit trees, fruit bushes, and many more other native trees. 

The trees were planted by the community, for the community- by teenagers from the Community School and other community groups, 15 years ago. Since then, the area has been maintained by community groups as well as individuals, and is an extremely treasured place to many people in Kinsale. 

The Orchard is used by school and college groups, the Scouts, Forest School groups, the Men's Shed, Transition Town Kinsale, and many more! It is used daily by dog walkers for whom it is an escape from the crowded housing estates that have been built up upon the area that was once a nature reserve- the Commogue Marsh. 

The meadow behind the Orchard also has planning for a new estate of affordable housing. 
Right now, this area feels like a little pocket of nature and an escape from the largely developed land around it. There are SO MANY birds and animals that call this place home, and the bird song is incredible here! If the housing estate and two astro-turfs go ahead, this area will be transformed from a last safe haven for many creatures as well as local families, to a land of concrete and plastic turf. 

There is huge objection to this development by local community groups as well as neighbouring residents. Local people were not given sufficient notice about this development when planning permission was being sought, and in particular, there was no mention of the removal of the orchard in the planning notice. 
People were not given any reason to reject the planning notice because this was not outlined in the planning notice. The community was not fairly informed about plans regarding their own community space. 

The Community Orchard belongs to the Community, and to the WHOLE COMMUNITY.  It cannot be turned into pitches to serve a section of the community, especially those that will be locked and will be rented for use. 

We do not have another space like this in Kinsale, and we fully reject it being taken away from the rest of the community, as well as from the biodiversity that it supports.