Residents' shock at being told to dismantle award-winning balcony terrace

An award-winning terrace garden which was created by residents of Killegland Walk in Ashbourne is under threat.

Residents of the Respond apartments at Killegland Walk have created a haven on the balcony terrace at their apartments.

The balcony garden, which has received numerous awards, is widely used by residents as it features a communal seating area with shelter where they can congregate, and also has quiet corners where residents can enjoy the flowers, sit quietly and read a book.

However, earlier this year they received correspondence from their landlord, voluntary housing body Respond, telling them they would have to dismantle all their hard work.

This came as a huge blow to the residents who worked hard to create this beautiful oasis, using environmentally friendly methods and products.

Hugh McDonnell says the entire community worked together to create the garden, which they have called their 'Bloomsday Garden' and were thrilled to be have been recognised for their work in the Pride of Place awards.

"We have won the Ashbourne Pride of Place Award three times and the County Award twice so far. We are hoping for another county award," he said.

"We are very proud of it and it means a lot to everyone here, as everybody did whatever they could do, to create this garden.

"We reused recycled timber for everything we made, we have a shelter and a greenhouse.

"We have been working on it over the past four years and during Covid. We cleaned up the area, put up trellises and planted flowers and shrubs, as well as providing seating.

"It is great for our mental health, both working on it and using the communal space. Sometimes people meet and have breakfast in the shelter.

"It is a huge community resource and is used every day of the year. There are similar balconies in other apartment blocks and they are just used in the summer and look bad the rest of the year."

Hugh said it came as a huge shock when Respond wrote to them, telling them to remove the garden.

Cllr Joe Bonner said he was thrilled that the ‘Bloomsday Garden’ on the Killegland Walk balcony has once again received a Meath Co Council Pride of Place award and he was shocked that the housing wants it removed.

"This is a fabulous amenity and an example of what residents working together can achieve. It is unbelievable that Respond want it removed. It is something they should be advertising on the front page of their newsletters.

"I have made initial contact with Respond and hope they will sit down and talk with a view to resolving this issue.

Cllr Bonner said the community garden was brought to life by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are retired.

"They funded the project primarily through their own resources, with some local contributions. This initiative not only transformed the balcony into a vibrant space but also had a profound positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the residents.

"It provided a sense of purpose, fostering a strong community spirit and enhancing the overall quality of life. The garden became a centre for social interaction and relaxation, even hosting impromptu music sessions, highlighting the remarkable transformation achieved.

"Trellis panels, crafted from recycled timber, were erected around the perimeter to soften the concrete surroundings and offer shelter for the plants. Additionally, a potting shed and shelter were constructed," he said.

"This is the kind of facility I'd like to see in all residential units. You cannot count the benefits it provides, especially for mental health.

"It is a brilliant facility. It doesn't pose any danger to anyone. You'd need to be out of your mind to want to tear it down."

"I fully acknowledge the great work Respond do, but in this case, they have got it wrong."

A spokesperson for Respond said: "Respond is committed to fostering vibrant and supportive communities across our housing developments. Communal garden initiatives are a wonderful way for tenants to build social connections and encourage thriving living environments. We are dedicated to facilitating and nurturing such projects whenever possible.

"However, the construction of a shed at Killegland Walk, on land owned by the Owners Management Company (OMC) in the summer of 2022 has emerged as an issue. While very well intentioned, the shed was constructed without the support of the whole community and in the absence of full planning. The structure has not been universally welcomed; we have received complaints from both tenants and the managing agents.

"Over the past 18 months, Respond has been actively engaged with Killegland Walk tenants on this issue.

"Respond is committed to continuing to work with all residents to find a solution that is agreeable to all parties.”