How do we meet Ireland’s housing needs while protecting our natural environment? Host Roslyn Molloy sits down with Susan Vickers (Clúid Housing) and Haley Curran (The Housing Agency) to discuss integrating biodiversity into housing developments. The episode highlights Clúid’s Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide and a resident-led project in Ballygraigue Court, Co. Tipperary, showing how nature-based solutions and community co-design enhance local environments and resident well-being.

Key Discussion Points

The Biodiversity Imperative: Addressing Ireland's biodiversity crisis by designing housing developments that build climate resilience against flooding and overheating.

Clúid’s Practical Guide: Overview of Clúid Housing's 60-page Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide, created with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to guide developers and planners.

Ballygree Court Case Study: How residents in an 81-home estate transformed a green lawn into a community space featuring a poly-tunnel, sensory area, orchard, and 6,000 wildflower bulbs on a €12,000 budget.

Challenges & Support: Navigating funding and ongoing maintenance while leveraging local resources like Biodiversity Officers, Tidy Towns, and Trees on the Land.

Resources & Links

The Housing Agency: www.housingagency.ie

Clúid Housing: www.cluid.ie

All-Ireland Pollinator Plan: www.pollinators.ie

Trees on the Land: www.treesontheland.com