12 May 2025
Donegal County Library Service launch new sensory garden to promote wellbeing and inclusion.
Donegal Libraries are delighted to announce that the official opening of the new sensory garden in Bundoran Community Library, took place on Monday the 12th of May 2025. The garden was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Niamh Kennedy. The new garden will be a welcoming space designed to support the sensory needs of individuals of all ages and abilities.
Located on the library grounds the Sensory Garden features a carefully curated mix of tactile surfaces, fragrant plants along with visual and sound stimuli.
It offers a safe and peaceful environment for children with additional needs, individuals with sensory processing challenges and anyone seeking a tranquil space for reflection and relaxation.
The sensory garden is about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. It’s a natural extension of the inclusive services we aim to provide every day.
Speaking at the Launch Councillor Kennedy said ‘The overarching intention of the garden is to offer a feeling of serenity, security, autonomy, and restoration. To ensure everyone is catered for and most importantly, like our libraries themselves- to always welcome everyone regardless of age or ability. These services have reached out and engaged people and have made the library space more accessible and inclusive, offering a safe and enjoyable space for all.’
The initiative aligns with the ongoing commitment of Donegal County Library Service to the development of sensory services which can be found in different branches across the county. These include sensory spaces, light boxes, autism friendly events and quiet time in the library. We aim to make the library a welcoming and accessible space to all members of the community.
The project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Community Recognition Fund.
Check out more information on the range of Inclusive Services available in Donegal Libraries HERE
Gairdín na gCéadfaí nua seolta ag Seirbhís Leabharlainne Dhún na nGall chun folláine agus cuimsiú a chur chun cinn.
Tá áthas ar Leabharlanna Dhún na nGall a fhógairt gur tharla oscailt oifigiúil do Ghairdín Céadfaí Leabharlann Bhun Dobhráin, Dé Luain 12 Bealtaine 2025. Rinne Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall an Clr. Niamh Kennedy an gairdín a oscailt go hoifigiúil. Beidh an gairdín nua ina spás fáilteach atá deartha chun tacú le riachtanais chéadfacha de gach aois agus cumas.
Suite ar thailte na leabharlainne tá meascán de dhromchlaí tadhlacha, plandaí cumhra mar aon le spreagthaí amhairc agus fuaime sa ghairdín.
Cuireann an gairdín céadfach timpeallacht shábháilte agus shíochánta ar fáil do leanaí a bhfuil riachtanais bhreise acu, daoine a bhfuil dúshláin phróiseála céadfacha acu agus aon duine atá spás suaimhneach á lorg acu le haghaidh machnaimh agus scíthe.
Baineann an gairdín céadfach le spás a chruthú ina mothaíonn gach duine go bhfuil fáilte rompu agus go dtacaítear leo. Is síneadh nádúrtha é ar na seirbhísí cuimsitheacha a bhfuil sé mar aidhm againn a sholáthar gach lá.
Ag labhairt dí ag an Seoladh dúirt an Comhairleoir Kennedy 'Is é an sprioc uileghabhálach atá ag an ghairdín mothú suaimhnis, slándála, neamhspleáchais agus athchóirithe a ofráil. Chun a chinntiú go ndéantar freastal ar gach duine agus níos tábhachtaí fós, cosúil lenár leabharlanna féin- fáilte a chur roimh gach duine i gcónaí beag beann ar aois nó ar chumas. Téann na seirbhísí seo i ngleic le daoine agus tá an spás leabharlainne níos inrochtana agus níos cuimsithí, agus spás sábháilte agus taitneamhach curtha ar fáil do chách.'
Tá an tionscnamh ag teacht le tiomantas leanúnach Sheirbhís Leabharlainne Dhún na nGall seirbhísí céadfacha a chur ar fáil i mbrainsí éagsúla ar fud an chontae. Ina measc seo tá spásanna céadfacha, boscaí solais, imeachtaí atá cairdiúil don uathachas agus am ciúin sa leabharlann. Tá sé mar aidhm againn an leabharlann a dhéanamh mar spás fáilteach agus inrochtana do gach ball den phobal.
Is í an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail a mhaoinigh an tionscadal seo faoin gCiste Aitheantais Pobail