Green Plan Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station final ...
Transcript of Green Plan Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station final ...
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Copyright © Neil McCabe, 2011
The moral right of the author has been asserted. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights
under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or
introduced to a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the
copyright owner.
Author Neil McCabe
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Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Contents:
Vision
Mission
Forward by Chief Fire Officer Hugh O Neill
Forward by Neil McCabe
Acknowledgements
Green Plan Vision Statement
Summary
The aims of this Biodiversity Action Plan
The four watches in Kilbarrack Fire Station
Introduction
1. What is Biodiversity
2. The importance of Biodiversity
3. The importance of Biodiversity in Kilbarrack Fire Station
4. The making of this Biodiversity Action Plan
5. Sponsorship and Supply
Biodiversity
1. Wild Garden concept
2. Woodland Garden
3. Birds
4. Designated Composting area
5. Weed killer and pests
6. Recycling materials
7. Local technical collage
8. Hydroponics
9. Allotment
10. Recreational Garden
11. Commemorative Garden
12. Biodiversity Action Day
13. Roof Garden concept
Biodiversity Action Plan
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Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Vision
In the changing future, Kilbarrack Fire Station will embrace and support Biodiversity and Wildlife in our
Fire Station. We will create eco systems, habitats and implement change. We will place our Fire Station as
a hub of Biodiversity that will affect the surrounding community.
F/F Alan Corcoran sorting the Ferns before planting
Mission
As Dublin Fire Brigade approaches 150 years in service to the citizens of Dublin providing safety and
protection to all, we now intend to use the model of the Green Plan to become leaders of sustainable
energy, to maximise our low carbon future, and to become Guardians of biodiversity empowering people
to effect change in our Fire Brigade and the local community itself.
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Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Foreword by Chief Fire Officer Mr. Hugh O’ Neill
2010 is the International year for Biodiversity. The production of
Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change are issues that cannot be pushed
aside by organizations and individuals. I think it is fitting that in 2010
Kilbarrack Fire Station has been named as the world’s first Carbon
Neutral Fire Station. Innovation and forward thinking have been key to
this success. This Biodiversity Action Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station is
the first of its kind in Dublin Fire Brigade. Making the changes to habitat
loss and eco system development will not be easy to replicate across
Dublin Fire Brigade. However the innovation and practical application in
Kilbarrack Fire Station by the Fire Crews and particularly Neil McCabe, has shown clear achievements and
results. This Biodiversity Action Plan shows the direction that Dublin Fire Brigade is heading in and has the
support of Senior Management.
A Green Agenda has been established in Kilbarrack Fire Station and in September 2010 Dublin Fire
Brigade launched the Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station. The Green Plan is a Seven- Themed,
structured approach to becoming sustainable. Kilbarrack Fire Station was chosen as the Flagship for this
Green Plan and has made many achievements thus far. Energy consumption has dropped by 80% and the
Fire Station has reduced its water intake by 1,500,000 litres of water in 2010 alone. Kilbarrack Fire
Station has also been named as the Flagship for Dublin City Council’s Sustainability Report 2010 as an
exemplar for Dublin itself.
One of the Seven Themes of the Green Plan is Biodiversity and four areas of wildlife conservation in the
Fire Station have been identified. The Fire Crews have worked voluntarily to create four beautiful gardens
that include ecosystems and support wildlife. It is surprising to see how the work undertaken in
Kilbarrack Fire Station has made an impact on the local community. The Crew of the Fire Station have
communicated and interacted with the surrounding local community and have held open days in the Fire
Station, educating local national school children on Biodiversity, Wildlife and Nature. Indeed Kilbarrack
Fire Station is becoming a hub of Sustainability and Biodiversity in the community. This can only have a
positive outcome and is already showing results.
I would like to commend Neil McCabe for his time, researching and writing this Biodiversity Action Plan. I
would like to thank the Serving Fire Crews of Kilbarrack Fire Station and the Dublin Fire Brigade Retired
Members Association for their dedication and commitment to Biodiversity and wildlife in the Fire Station.
Their commitment has been integral in driving this Biodiversity Action Plan. This Biodiversity Action Plan
has identified, addressed and remedied environmental problems that would have normally been
overlooked and I am proud to be associated with it.
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Foreword by Fire Fighter Neil McCabe
I am grateful for the opportunity to write this Biodiversity Action Plan for
Kilbarrack Fire Station. In early 2008 I undertook the writing and project
managing of the Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station as a Flagship model
for all of Dublin Fire Brigade. This involved comprehensive research and
investment in new technologies and a change in the way Dublin Fire
Brigade conducted its Business. I identified back then the need for a
Biodiversity Action Plan to be written.
I have always been taken aback by the levels of support and the
willingness to be involved that the four Fire Crews of Kilbarrack Fire
Station have shown. Biodiversity is embraced as one of the Seven Themes of the Green Plan and when
this Action Plan was in its infancy all the Stations Crews got behind it. Biodiversity is sometimes
misunderstood accidentally. People tend to forget that humans are not just a means of fixing problems
with Habitat loss and eco systems; but that we are also part of the solution. In Kilbarrack Fire Station we
have turned waste ground into gardens that can be used recreationally by the Crew of the Station and
can facilitate Biodiversity education in the local community.
Climate Change should be on everyone’s agenda, yet most people feel that there is nothing they can do.
This attitude has changed in Kilbarrack Fire Station and we have introduced sweeps of natural wild
flowers and built below ground ecosystems that have demonstrated how small actions can yield big
results. Butterflies previously never seen before on the Fire Station grounds were seen flying around in
large numbers during summer 2010. Our Beehives have caused local people to comment on an increased
numbers of bees in people’s gardens. Biodiversity is about more then plants and wildlife. In Kilbarrack
Fire Station our Biodiversity Action Plan includes Dublin Fire Brigade’s first Commemorative Garden for
members Past and Present. This Garden is an area of reflection for Fire Personnel and their families who
wish to come and have a quiet, peaceful moment. This garden has also supported outings for terminally
ill patients from the local community. In the background the garden is full of life. There are bird boxes
and bird feeding stations, bat roosts, beehives and a pond, to name just a few.
Local school children from nine surrounding National Schools recently came to Kilbarrack Fire Station to
be educated about Biodiversity, Wildlife, Nature and their role in preserving it. The children were given
packs to bring back to their Schools and they also received Bird boxes that were made by the Fire
Station’s Crew as well as seeds from our allotment and compost from our compost bay. I look forward to
the years ahead, as the Fire Stations new gardens mature and evolve into my original vision for them. I
hope they continue to bring joy to all those involved. Moreover I will look forward to this Biodiversity
Action Plan being used as a template for the other Fire Stations to follow as the Green Plan rolls out
across Dublin Fire Brigade.
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
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Acknowledgements
This Biodiversity Action Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station has
received help from many people and organizations. I would
like to acknowledge the following people for their
participation and commitment. Almost everyone involved
was working in the Fire Station at the time and gave their
free time to The Biodiversity Action Plan.
Kilbarrack Fire Station Crew, consisting of 4 Station Officers
and 36 Fire Crew. The Fire Crews gave up so much of their
time voluntarily and are Stakeholders in the Stations Future.
The Dublin Fire Brigade Retired Members Association and in
particular Paul Hand, Tony McCann and Damien Fynes for
their unending support and assistance.
Paul Keane, who gave so much of his free time and swapped
many shifts just to be on hand as much as he could. Paul
brought skill and experience to the project.
Dublin City Council Parks Department, in particular: Mick
Molloy and Brendan Collins of St Anne’s Park; Dave Twomy of
Fairview Park and John Redmond of Edenmore depot. The
Parks Department helped out in so many ways and helped
make the Launch day Green Plan 2010 one to remember. Dublin City Council Staff in particular Caroline
Timmons and Mary McSweeney. The Girls grew all the vegetables for our allotment from seed for free
and then came out and planted them as well. They also gave guide lines on how to rotate crops and plant
wild flowers.
Dublin City Council Joinery Department: in particular Pat McGrory, Gavin and Chris for their hands on
assistance and skill, especially because they live on the other side of the City yet still stayed back late so
often just to help out.
Eamon Henderson from Progarden Landscaping Ltd. Eamon has also signed up to delivering wood
chippings to Kilbarrack Fire Station every three months free of charge. These chippings are a vital part of
the maintenance of our gardens. Delite Energy Solutions for their very kind donation and installation of
Energy efficient LED lighting equipment.
A very special word of thanks goes to Mr. Phillip O’ Neill, who sculptured our magnificent
Commemorative Garden monument. Although originally commissioned to create the sculpture for the
Fire Station, Mr. O Neill decided to present his sculpture at no cost, to the Fire Brigade of Dublin as a
gesture of thanks for the service that we provide.
The wild flower bed at the base of the Tower in KFS
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Green Plan Vision Statement
In the changing future Dublin Fire Brigade will be world leaders of
sustainability, recognised for their championing of energy and water
consumption reduction, waste prevention, biodiversity protection and
impacts on society. Dublin Fire Brigade will be the exemplar, running its
fleet of emergency vehicles sustainably and will insist on Green
Procurement for the services it provides.
Summary
This Biodiversity Action Plan came into focus when it was first highlighted by Neil McCabe in the Green
Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station back in 2008. Kilbarrack Fire Station is forty years old and the building
fabric, envelope and surrounding Fire Brigade owned land were all in need of an upgrade and in some
cases, remodelling.
A lot of research has gone into making this Biodiversity Action Plan and before I could take on
Biodiversity projects, actions and plans for the Fire Station, I had to look outside the box at the
surrounding community. A holistic approach that affects the area of Kilbarrack Fire Station rather then
just the Station was top of the terms of reference.
I carried out extensive baseline studies that at the time seemed quite time consuming. This was a
lengthily process and although almost no consultation took place, a lot of information was gathered. In
most cases the work undertaken has been from scratch. Waste land and former dumping areas within the
Stations grounds were overhauled and transformed into the beautiful gardens that they are today.
Retrofitting of new technologies to the Station has benefit this Plan greatly such as the waste water
treatment works and the compost bay that includes a Wormery. There were however Native Irish trees
over thirty years old in situ. These trees formed the core of this Plan. This Plan is simple in the sense that
where available and as much as is possible we have tried to keep all things Native to both Dublin and
then to Ireland.
It is always easy to set targets and indicators or to make proclamations, but the real success of this Plan is
the contribution from the Stations Crew. They have made it possible. I have asked the Stations Crew to
take on some projects that have consumed a considerable amount of man hours at no cost to Dublin Fire
Brigade or Dublin City Council. However to date there is still work to be done and the actions listed in this
Plan have given clear directions to follow. We are to monitor and review these projects over the next five
years and it will be very interesting to see how the Station can impact on the local surrounding
community.
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The Aims of this Biodiversity Action Plan
To take actions to implement change such as the creation of eco
systems on site and to ensure that the changes last and are
monitored, as much as possible. To take a holistic approach that will
affect the Fire Station and the surrounding community. To convert
four areas of Station waste land into four Gardens that will support
wildlife and contribute to the Fire Stations Crew’s wellbeing.
The Four Watches, Kilbarrack Fire Station.
A Watch B Watch
C Watch D Watch
The new Commemorative Garden in KFS
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Introduction
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth. It is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems which provide
us with products and services without which we couldn’t live. Oxygen, food, fresh water, fertile soil,
medicines, shelter, protection from storms and floods, stable climate and recreation - all have their
source in nature and healthy ecosystems. But biodiversity gives us much more than this. We depend on it
for our security and health; it strongly affects our social relations and gives us freedom and choice.
The importance of Biodiversity
“We can no longer see the continued loss of biodiversity as an issue separate from the core concerns of
society: to tackle poverty, to improve the health, prosperity and security of present and future
generations, and to deal with climate change. Each of those objectives is undermined by current trends in
the state of our ecosystems, and each will be greatly strengthened if we finally give biodiversity the
priority it deserves.”
Convention on Biological Diversity's 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 3' report
The importance of Biodiversity in Kilbarrack Fire Station
In KFS we have the chance to take actions that will lead to
making actual changes to the area of the Fire Station and
the Surrounding community. By growing our own
vegetables we are reducing food miles and Carbon
Emissions associated with food miles. The health benefits
to the Fire Stations Crew are not just to do with a change in
diet but also a change in mindset. Developing ecosystems
in the Station shows how easily we can all do our bit to help
Nature. Witnessing first hand insects and wildlife
flourishing where once there was only waste land has a
knock on effect on the Crew and keeps motivation high. In
the immediate surrounding area, KFS is neighboured by: Fr
Collins Park, the embankment at the Santry River, Clontarf
and Sutton coastal corridor and Bull Island. As a
contribution to the already existing surrounding areas
mentioned, KFS can lead the way in bringing Biodiversity at a very local level to our own surrounding
community. This has and will continue to be demonstrated by the engagement and new links with local
schools and youth groups that now visit KFS to learn about Biodiversity and Nature. Kilbarrack has a
population of almost 5,000 citizens and has a land area of 70,273 km2.
View of Kilbarrack Fire Station
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Picture of North Bull Island and the surrounding Districts of Raheny Kilbarrack and Clontarf.
Areas of waste land identified
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Previously the land pictured overleaf had been a waste land for over three decades. Historically,
Kilbarrack Fire Station was the original Training Grounds for Dublin Fire Brigades Recruit Fire Fighters.
Once the new Fire Fighter Training Centre was established in the O Brien Institute, in Marino, the land fell
into disuse and eventually became an unofficial dumping ground.
Vehicles that had reached the end of their working lives usually ended up here. The vehicles would be
Dublin City Council and Dublin Fire Brigade Vehicles and the intention was to leave the vehicles there
until they were ready to be disposed of. The Parks department also kept vehicles there too. Over time
this area became unsightly and after thirty years of being used in this way, things had gotten out of
control. Some vehicles had been lying here for a very long time. Refuse and general waste had begun to
build up significantly. There were however several species of Native Irish Trees that had been planted
over forty years previously.
The pictures over leaf show these areas of land after we first gave them a general tidy. This took several
weeks in its self to do. The first clean up was to view the area as a blank canvas to see if it was feasible to
create a Biodiversity Plan at all. It was clear immediately that the trees were indeed specimens and that
the whole area could be vastly developed as an ecological site. This spirited the Biodiversity Action Plan
to come into being and all the research and development that followed was because of this.
The allotment under construction KFS
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The Making of this Biodiversity Action Plan
There is a total of 40 full time Fire Crew working in Kilbarrack Fire Station. This comprises 36 Fire Fighters
and Four Station Officers. During the retro-fit
and implementation of the Green Plan, the
different watches were assigned different
tasks. One major task was to survey, report
and construct the four new gardens that are
in the Fire Station.
There had been a lot of staff interest in this
project when it was originally proposed. D
Watch volunteered to be the Guardian
Watch for the up keep of the Biodiversity
Action Plan after its launch.
A key driver to the success of the over all project is the buy- in from the Retired Members of Dublin Fire
Brigade. The Retired Members have worked side by side with the serving Fire Crew. This has brought
about a shift in thinking within the organisation. Respected former members of the Fire Brigade now
maintain our new gardens. They have regularly been arriving to the Fire Station with shovels and various
gardening tools, all intent on a days work in our gardens. The whole project has been a joy with the
added benefit of all the banter and stories being shared between the retired members and the serving
crew. All projects have been intended to showcase the harmony between biodiversity, humans and
technology. The recreational garden is a testament to this.
Plans listed in the appendix and all labour has been completed by the Fire Crew physically working in the
Fire Station. In some cases specialist help was required. Most of the finance to build the four gardens
came from sponsorship to the Biodiversity Action Plan. For more then a year I was regularly giving
presentations and talks about the benefit that Biodiversity Projects would bring to the district of
Kilbarrack, not just the Fire Station. This had eventually paid off and when finance became available the
project changed from surveys, reports and studies to actual actions. In most Biodiversity Action Plans,
some species of wildlife have been prioritised for conservation within the City, County, Town or general
District that they are written for. In Kilbarrack Fire Station we have not been able to look at and provide
conservation measures for all species of wildlife.
This is due to feasibility and the lack of space. This Biodiversity Action Plan was written and planned to be
used as an example of what can be done at local level and how quickly small replicable actions can impart
large results. It has been hoped that Kilbarrack Fire Station should be a Hub for Sustainability locally by
using actual actions that can be followed by our community. Community refers to the crew members of
the entire Dublin Fire Brigade, including retired members and the surrounding external community for
whom we provide a service.
The Commemorative Garden under construction
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Guidelines:
Countdown 2010 is an independent initiative to support Biodiversity Actions and was endorsed by the
European Union in May 2003. One main aim of this was to demonstrate clearly what commitments and
progress has been made by member states to halt habitat loss and biodiversity challenges. This being the
international year of Biodiversity, it is only fitting that the main body of this Plan is showing completed
actual actions that are measurable
Framework:
In keeping with the framework for the actual Green Plan for Dublin Fire Brigade, whereby the emphasis is
on a Holistic approach to genuine sustainability, the framework of this report follows the same rules. That
is to place Behavioural Change at the forefront of the Plan. The work is to be planned and actuated will
be undertaken as follows:
Phase (I)
Phase (II)
Achievements
Phase (III)
I have also applied the headings of the SEAI Energy MAP model to this Biodiversity Action Plan. They are
as follows:
Identify
Commit
Plan
Take action
Review
The SEAI Energy MAP is obviously an energy reduction focused plan. I feel that both the Green Plan and
the Energy Map compliment each other as the governance of this Biodiversity Action Plan.
Species:
We have listed the following as being the most feasible for our local environment and community.
All species of bird resident to the Fire Station.
1. Bats
2. Frogs
3. Bees
4. Butterflies
5. Invertebrate groups
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Existing Tree species inside the grounds of KFS
Species Nr Age
Sycamore 12 25 years
Ash 3 36 years
Horse chestnut 1 34 years
Existing tree species in KFS front garden
Species Nr Age
Horse chestnut 12 34 years
Sponsorship and supply:
So far the biggest sponsorship to the Biodiversity Action Plan has been the time and commitment that all
those involved have put in. To Date we have received €15,000 from LANPAG, National Partnership and
€800 from the DFB Retired Members. We have also received four year old manure coming from North
County Dublin and New manure coming from Dublin Zoo, Rhino and Elephant enclosures. We are soon to
receive over 1,000 spring Tulip and Daffodil bulbs from DCC Parks Department.
Woodland Garden under construction KFS
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Wild garden concept:
We have planted biennials that will re-seed themselves and we will be harvesting
the seeds ourselves and planting them in our glass house. We have planted a
drift of wild flower seeds across our Commemorative Garden lawn. It is hoped
that as the seeds turn into a small mini meadow that the flowers will attract all
kinds of insects especially butterflies.
We have also planted a lot of lavender against the perimeter wall of the Fire Station. This Lavender is
directly beside the fermenting wood chippings and apart from the pleasant smell it also attracts insects.
We regularly place decaying logs / rotting tree cuttings in amongst these plants to mimic what wood
happen in a woodland environment when trees fall down. Although this is obviously on a much smaller
scale the out come is still the same. We have planted Campanulas, Clover, Comfrey, Cotoneaster,
Heather, lungwort, sweet Woodruff, Thyme and Geraniums.
Woodland garden:
At the east facing side of the Fire Station we have created a woodland garden. This garden was also
formerly a waste ground that had fallen into an unkempt state. This was equally due to three reasons:
1) The whole area is east facing
2) The change of Fire Station Crew over the years
3) The Fire Station responses to emergencies.
The woodland garden is 144m2 in size. There are a total of five native Sycamore Trees, all over thirty
years in age and a single Sycamore Tree that, is not native and over twenty years old.
The first and most important job was to tidy up this old piece of land and establish what was worth saving
and what its potential was. This took the most amounts of time and very big commitment from the
Stations Crew. The whole area was bizarrely covered in broken glass and debris. This glass was several
inches deep into the soil. After a large effort to remove this glass it eventually became obvious that
getting a tractor and an excavator were the only way to deal with the problem. Luckily a Station Officer
from a different Fire Station in our district came forward and volunteered his tractor and plough. Because
the land was to be converted to a woodland garden it was important that as much glass and debris could
be removed as was possible. We then started to heavily prune and cut back the clippings and branches
from the Sycamore Trees. The cuttings and clippings were not discarded. They were kept back for our eco
system and to later be shredded. Finally when the land was ploughed and excavated we started to lay the
first of the home made eco system habitats. This involved several hundred meters of cardboard tubes
between two and four inches in diameter. The tubes lay horizontally and on top of the tubes we placed
most of the wooden branches that we had initially pruned from the existing sycamore trees.
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Then on top of the clippings we placed a layer of wood chippings delivered from our local tree surgeon.
This entire eco system habitat was placed parallel with the perimeter wall of the garden.
We then dug out holes and planted four species of native Irish Fern. All the Fern is planted in mixes of
species with different shapes and sizes. Below all of this is the Wormery. We actually have two types of
Wormery. The first one is an old soil pipe that was removed during the Fire Stations Retro-Fit. This pipe
has been lined up with the Compost bay and has a lid. When the liquids produced by one of the
Compostors are ready to be sent to the Wormery, we simply open the lid and poor the liquids in. The
other Wormery is a network of chambers that we planted using Percolating media. The chambers
junction at a point below our other composter.
This composter is actually filled with the organic matter from our Stations Kitchen. 100% of all organic
matter is collected and sent directly to our composters. In fact we have recently received a Brown Bin
that gets collected each week from the Station. This is due to the time and effort that the Fire Stations
Crew put into recycling and maintaining our Biodiversity Action Plan.
Another feature of our woodland garden is that we have installed five wooden poles into the ground. The
poles stand erect, they are 100mm in diameter and have over two hundred holes drilled into them
circumferentially. All work was carried out by the Stations Crew. We also have bird houses and a bat
roost. One defining feature of this garden is that the east facing side of the Fire Station is also the
location of the Stations Dormitories at ground level and the Stations Kitchen on the first floor. It is very
pleasant to open the windows and smell the fresh air that comes from all the Ferns and mulch.
Birds:
We have built a bird table a bird station and bird boxes. This was all built using left over wood from the
retro fit work that took place in the station. We regularly buy wild bird mixed seeds and fat balls and we
also make our own from the left over fat in our kitchen.
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However some birds in the station seem to prefer to eat from the ground and for this reason we also
scatter seeds across the commemorative garden lawn. We regularly receive wood chip shredding. These
chippings are piled in a heap purposely and each month the wood is turned. This is particularly good
during the cold snap. As the wood chips are turned the birds start to converge on the compost.
Designated Composting area:
We have constructed a (size here) composting bay underneath one of our sycamore trees. This is
adjacent to our Thermodynamic Solar Collectors that we have installed. They use wind and rain to create
hot water for the Fire Station. The sycamore tree gives a natural camouflage to the area and the bay is
kept clean and tidy because of its simple to maintain construction. It sits upon a bed of poured Green
Cement that is made from recycled building materials.
Included in the Bay are:
Two chamber Pig composter
Tumble chamber composter
Nr two x dedicated composters bedded in the ground
Nr two x wormeries
A separate wheelie bin for holding recycled wooden nuggets used in the Pig compostor
A brown wheelie bin for excess organic waste
Wormery:
There are two types of Wormery. The first one is an old soil pipe that was removed during the Fire
Stations Retro-Fit. This pipe has been lined up with the compost bay and has a lid. When the liquids
produced by one of the composters are ready to be sent to the Wormery, we simply open the lid and
poor the liquids in. The other Wormery is a network of chambers that we planted using Percolating media
and gun barrel piping. These chambers junction at a point below our other composter. This composter is
actually filled with the organic matter from our Stations Kitchen. 100% of all organic matter is collected
and sent directly to our composters.
We have recently received a Brown Bin that is collected each week from the Station. This is due to the
time and effort that the Fire Stations Crew put into recycling and maintaining our Biodiversity Action
Plan. This bin is an add- on to the Stations compost bay. So far we have reduced Fire Station domestic
waste by a total of 50% since the beginning of the Green Plan. We are aiming to achieve 60% by 2011.
This ambitious target is a direct out come of the Fire Crews Behavioural Change and shift in thinking
about the environmental impacts that we all have a shared responsibility for.
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Accepted organic waste list:
All organic matter from the Stations Kitchen including:
Vegetable peelings
Meat, poultry and fish
All left over cooked dinners
All uncooked raw meat
Fats and oils collected in the kitchens Grease traps
Tea bags and all tea station waste
Station practice for organic waste
As we fill the Composter with organic matter it can become very wet and produce an odour. To combat
this we have included wooden nuggets in to the mix. Wooden nuggets are regularly used to speed up the
composting process. The nuggets are generously donated to the Fire Station from Dublin City Councils
Joinery Department. The nuggets are the shredded remains of left over timber from the Joinery
Workshop. The timer is re used to make these nuggets and is a very good example of waste recovery in
the work place. Formerly this waste wood would have been sent to landfill.
We also use a Composter that we intentionally let fill with composting fluids. This Composter is tumbled
as well. However the fluids are then drained off and poured directly into our Wormery entrance.
Grass cutting
The Fire stations crew all pitched in together to buy our first lawnmower. This lawn mower cuts the grass
and has an added feature of finely cutting the grass so that it can be directly pushed back into the soil
underneath as a natural Composter. This also removes fully the need to go with grass cuttings to the
brown bin in situ. With the garden being almost a third of an acre, this would have become a hindrance
because while the Fire Stations Crew are cutting the grass they are also on call. The cut grass acting as a
natural fertiliser has accelerated the speed that the grass is growing and has produced a very nice
coloured grass.
Construction of the Recycling and Composting Bay
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Chippings
We have entered into a partnership with two local tree surgeons. Quarterly they deliver free of charge a
ten tonne mix of shredded wood chippings to the Fire Station. These chippings are put to use in a variety
of ways. Mainly they are used in the commemorative garden and the woodland garden. We regularly
spread the chippings all around the perimeter borders. As the wood rots it creates a lot of heat. During
the autumn and winter months we use a blower to blow all the leaves off the new lawn in the
commemorative garden and onto the perimeter border. The leaves are acidic as the rot, however the
chippings are not. This causes a fine balance in the soil, reflected in the very healthy plant growth. Below
all the newly forming compost, are the original eco system chambers that we have installed. The
chippings are also put to use in the compost bay. There we purposely leave piles of compost from
chippings, to heat up, then every month we turn the compost and this attracts quite a number of
inquisitive birds.
Wood chippings used in KFS
Weed killer and pests:
Ivy had been a nuisance and problem for us. It had been growing wild for a long time and was covering all
the perimeter walls and most of the trees were almost unrecognisable as result. We physically cut down
and removed and shredded all the ivy. We actually took down the equivalent of a large skip. (VOLUME
HERE) All the ivy plus the wood that had been removed during the garden tidy was shredded and re used
in our woodland garden. We have surrounded a lot of the tree bases with willow screening. Apart from
this being a nice looking feature it actually serves the purpose of creating mini insect habitats.
Around the vegetable allotment we have planted Marigolds and garlic to ward of insects such as Carrot
fly and in one designated area we have planted a large nasturtium bed so that caterpillar’s will be
attracted to this area specifically and not go to the vegetables. This bed is in full sun.
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On the allotment we have used recycled CDs and DVDs as a deterrent for the Birds from the crops. After a
while the birds seemed to get used to the CDs in situ and we then changed over to using recycled video
cassette tape as a deterrent instead. Another deterrent for birds was the recycling of 3 x litre fizzy drink
bottles. We cut theses bottles and placed them over the new seeds in the allotment until they became
established.
Recycling materials:
During the retro fit of the Fire Station to receive the Green Plan, a lot of what would normally be deemed
as waste was, re used in a different manner. We actually recycled a total of eight tons of steel and only
sent three medium sized skips to landfill. Please read below for a small demonstration of some of the
projects and uses for recycled materials.
Modern art:
In the Fire Stations Boiler House we had removed the old 68% inefficient non condensing boiler with, Nr 2
98% efficient, new gas condensing boilers. The original boiler was large and had been constructed back in
1986 using cast iron elements. There were 14 of these elements and each one weighed over ten stone.
Rather then letting the elements go to scrap or worse go to land fill, I decided to have them removed
from the basement to the newly built recreational garden. This was a massive undertaking. After a lot of
very careful planning, the elements were lifted to the garden and welded together in a curved modular
formation. They adjoin the newly built decking area and are currently covered in rust. This is a very
attractive feature and they are certainly the focal point of the garden.
Old Boiler Elements in Recreational Garden
22
All of the work was undertaken and completed entirely by the Stations Crew at no cost to DFB.
Unfortunately there is no budget at the moment to do any more work on the elements. However the
intention is to have the elements media blasted and the painted Signal Red. This is the same colour as
Dublin Fire Brigades Fire Appliances. We will then fit the elements with blue LED low wattage lighting.
The lighting will be powered by a Photo Voltaic Cell and the whole system will cost nothing to run.
Sorbis Plant Pots
When the old cylinder in the boiler house below the Fire Station was being replaced, Station Officer Paul
Hendrikon suggested a use for it. The cylinder formally stored 1000 litres of hot water every day. The
cylinder is 000000. Paul suggested that the cylinder be cut into three sections. Two of the sections would
make large pots that we could plant our new Sorbis trees in and the mid section would be used to
surround the new monument base in the Commemorative garden.
Although this sounded like a good idea, there was still the issue of removing, without damaging, the
cylinder from the basement and then the actual
cutting of it. Paul volunteered to do all this work
and began designing a wavy pattern for the plant
pot edge. This involved the use of Air tools. The
pots now mark the entrance to the
commemorative garden. They have been planted
with Native Sorbis Trees in each. Between the pots
we have constructed an arch. This arch was given
to us from DCC Fairview Park Dept. The arch was
due to go to land fill. Once the Retired Fire Brigade
members had cleaned up and restored the arch, it
was then placed in the pots.
Cactus planters
All of the crew of D Watch, decided to make nr 3 x planters to
stand at the base of each pier at the engine bay. They chose to
use the left over wood from the Green Plan Retro fit work that
was happening in the Station. The wood they used had originally
been used to frame the commemorative garden pathway and to
build the Bike Shed. The D watch Crew then on their own time,
with their own money, bought almost €150 worth of Cacti Plants
and €40 worth of environmentally friendly wood preserver. They
came in to work after working the night shift the previous night
and started working on the planters.
The Old Cylinder
Cactus Planters KFS
23
DCC Planters
I had been in regular contact with Brendan in the DCC parks Dept. Apart from giving the Station a lend of
Forks, Spades, Shovels and Hoes, Brendan also provided us with four large planters for the front of the
Fire Station and two more for the stations drill yard. Unfortunately this was on a temporary basis and we
used the planters for the Launch Day of the Green Plan. After the launch day Brendan had located two
more planters that we could keep. These planters had been vandalised in St Anne’s Park and were in
need of serious repair. After a lot of commitment and work from the retired members, myself and most
of the Stations Crew we were sadly not able to refurbish the planters. The idea was to extend our
allotment using these large planters to grow potatoes in. The planters had started to turn into a money
pit but, it was nice to see such an effort being made by all involved.
Bat boxes and Bird boxes
During the retro fit to the Station, there were
many times when sheets of timber had been
used and were now no longer of use by either
the builders and contractors or the Stations
Crew. This wood was stored in one of the
Stations out buildings for over a one year
period. The different types of wood was
organised into groups and ideas were formed. D
Watch decided that they would build the large
artificial Bat Roost out of this timber. They
would also make smaller scale artificial Bat Roosts and Bird boxes as well.
We have a total of twelve bird boxes around the
Stations grounds and have one Large Bat Roost
and eight small Bat Roosts. During the first
Biodiversity Action Day, we gave out nine Bat Roosts and nine Bird Boxes to the local Schools that
attended. The Retired Members and the Stations Crew volunteered to make these units.
Bram Stoker Porch
With out doubt this had been the individual most prized successful project of all the different sets of
people coming together. I had first seen the Bram Stoker Porch when it was on display in Fairview Park
several years ago. It was a pleasant site in the Park. Despite all best intentions by Dublin City Council, the
Porch had been vandalized on more then one occasion.
I couldn’t believe my luck when I noticed one day in September 2010 that the porch was now in a rubbish
pile and ready to go to landfill. Bram Stoker had been a local Hero to the area of Fairview and Clontarf. He
is also a celebrated Dublin Author. This piece of Dublin History had to be worth saving.
Bird Feeder KFS
24
After petitioning for permission from Senior DCC Parks Dept, I finally secured the Porches removal from
the rubbish pile. David Toomey from Fairview Park Dept brought the Porch to Kilbarrack Fire Station in a
Flat bed truck on his own time after work.
Once I got the Porch to Kilbarrack I immediately showed it to Paul Hand from DFB Retired Members
association and to Pat McGrory from DCC Joinery Department. Soon the scale of restoring the Porch
became clear and we knew it would be along hall project. Fortunately Brendan from DCC Parks dept,
found two other porch like structures that, looked a lot smaller yet similar to the Porch. They were
drastically in need of repair.
The remnants of the original Bram Stoker porch entrance with the class of school children from Holy Trinity National School. After this photo the porch was deconstructed and has undergone major restoration.
I decided that the best plan of action would be to join all the Porches together, with the Original Bram
Stoker Porch being in the centre and higher then the others. Pat McGrory placed the original vandalized
Porch on stilts and bolted them to the ground. This temporary arrangement was so that we could
establish the direction the porch project was going in. It also demonstrated potentially would the porch
would have formally looked like. Ahead of the Fire Stations first Biodiversity Action Day, it was important
that the porch was visible for the local children to enjoy. I was soon running out of funding to finish this
project and it was taking up a considerable amount of hours per week. We were trying to restore all the
original timbers to their former glory. Then the Retired Member of DFB stepped in at the eleventh hour
and donated a cheque to the project to the value of €800. We entered this much needed cash injection
into our cost centre immediately. At the same time Brendan McCabe from the Dublin City Council
Housing and Maintenance Department offered his services to help finish the project.
25
Fran Mac Donnell of DCC Joinery Dept took the remaining parts of the Porch away and stripped all the
wood that had been fire damaged. Piece by piece, Fran re- built all three porches. Finally he brought all
the parts to Kilbarrack Fire Station and assembled them there. The porch is now the official entrance to
the DFB Commemorative garden in Kilbarrack Fire Station.
The Pond and Water Fountain
Before the retro fit works to the Station, there was a former Oil Tank, housed inside a bund area at the
east side of the Station. This tank had been decommissioned twenty years earlier, yet it was still in situ
and was aesthetically displeasing. The tank had been used to provide oil to the old boiler below ground,
so that the boiler could in turn, make electricity. This was before the arrival of town gas to the Kilbarrack
and Donaghmede districts.
When I removed the old tank it became immediately clear that the bund area fabric was a ready built
pond. All we would have to do is fill the bund with soil and line it for use as a pond. To take things further
the intention is to fill the pond with treated rain water and stock the pond with fish. The treated water
will come directly from our below ground waste water works on site. We have already planted this bund
area with a Native Sorbis Tree and several species of shrub. The pond is adjacent to the recreational
garden and we are hoping on completion to have invertebrates inhabit the pond also.
The main feature of the pond will be the centre fountain. This fountain feature was originally the old
emersion from the Stations former hot water cylinder. Peter Lynch from D Watch has volunteered to
chop of the ends of the old emersion and coil and connect them to the water circuit mentioned above.
The fountain feature will have red LED lights trained on it against a yellow and orange back drop. This is
to give the idea of Fire inside the Fountain.
The Bram Stoker porch after it's refurbishment KFS
26
The Railway Bench
In 2009 an old railway bench was donated to Kilbarrack Fire Station by the Cagney O Regan family. Seán
Cagney is the Assistant Brigade Training Officer in the Fire Brigades Training Centre in Marino. Seán had
previously trained as a
recruit Fire Fighter in
Kilbarrack Fire Station when
it was the then Training
Centre. He has also been
stationed in Kilbarrack Fire
Station as a Station Officer.
The Bench had previously
been owned by Seáns
father in Law Mr. Eddie O
Regan. Eddie had
developed a fondness for
the particular platform
bench that had been
delivered to Raheny Railway Station from an unknown source back in the 1950s. Eddie had worked for
Irish Rail and used to have his lunch on this particular bench each day and after years of Eddie, asking the
Station Master for the bench, he finally got his wish in 1970. Back then the bench had reached the end of
its working life. Ironically Eddie was formerly a pupil of the OBI in Marino that is now the Fire Brigade
Training Centre where Seán is now stationed. Eddie knew a good thing when he seen it because the
bench was held pride of place in his family garden for the following thirty years. Finally in 2010 the Bench
gave up and was in need of total repair. Sadly Eddie also passed away in April 2010.
The Retired Members of DFB lead by Paul Hand started to strip back the years of paint on this bench and
began restoring it. After a very long time the original legs and wood of the bench revealed an interesting
story. It showed that the bench had been constructed in 1909 as a bench for the LMS railway service in
Northern Ireland. More ironically Eddie worked for the LMS railway service in Belfast and had actually
used that bench for years with out his knowledge before it was re painted and sent to Dublin. Since the
Bench has been restored to its former glory it has been used on many occasions including: a visit from the
patients of St Luke’s Hospice in Raheny.
Also during the Biodiversity Action day, many of the children who came to the Station would have sat on
the bench while being thought about Biodiversity, Wildlife and Nature. We are very grateful to the
Cagney O’ Regan Family for the Bench and its wonderful history.
F/F Neil McCabe and A/T/O Seán Cagney on the famous bench KFS
27
Glass house
I have sourced Bricks, blocks and glazed units that were all due to go to landfill or were lying in different
DCC depots and yards. Work has begun but is, not finished on the construction of a small glass house. The
intention is to use the glass house for seeds and planting. It is envisaged that the Retired Members will
come to the Station and grow from cultivated seeds, our vegetables and different plant species that we
have nurtured over the last two years. The bricks used will complement the bricks of the Fire Station and
will be heated naturally by the sun. This will be as a Solar gain due to the glasshouses location and the
colour of the bricks.
Wormeries
The materials used in making the wormeries were simply old pipes left behind from the retro fit work. In
some case they are intertwined and in all cases they enter the open ground. The left over pipe work had
been used while installing the new Gas Condensing Boilers. We used waste pipes, waste water
percolating media and large gun barrel piping. Although the intention is for no one to ever have a reason
to see these chambers, except for at the mouth of the pipe work: it is important that they are actually
functioning well and so far we have had no problems.
Local Technical Collage
These students will be coming to Kilbarrack Fire Station to see the genuine sustainable actions that have
taken place. They will document the works to date and will carry out regular tests and checks. As the
students complete their modules, they will be invited to document the different projects and write
reports about Biodiversity in Kilbarrack Fire Station and surrounding community. Colaiste Dhulaigh in
Coolock Dublin 5 is now the first Colaiste to sign up to this project and we are excited as to the potential
results of their work. Apart for creating an index and species list for the Fire Station, the yearly surveys
that the students will generate, will also feed into the five year Biodiversity Action Plan review.
Hydroponics
A feasibility study is currently underway to access the possibility of building a Hydroponic unit inside the
Fire Station. If this proves to be the case, we would connect to the grey water treatment works below the
Station. Then this water would feed to a holding tank, also below ground. The water would be pumped
using Hydra Air Piping to a chamber on the Stations first floor. This chamber would resemble a trough
and would be forty meters in length by .4 metres in width. Inside the chamber will be filled with gravel
and internal pumps. At the end of the trough will be another set of pipes that will bring the water back to
the secondary holding tank where the water will then be delivered to the Fire Stations main Rain Water
Holding tank. This is the tank we use to put out local Fires.
The chambers will be planted with at least forty Boston Ferns, an evergreen plant. The ferns will have no
access to soil and the pumped water will pass through the trough delivering the minerals that the Plants
require to grow. The ferns will take in
28
Allotment:
We have constructed an allotment for growing vegetables. We intend to grow and eat these seasonal
vegetables. There is a full Crew of forty in the Station. The allotment is not very large and is only 60m2.
Initially we have been monitoring this allotment with regards to extending it if needs be. So far we have
grown two harvests of vegetables. We have also grown a selection of vegetables to seed, so that we can
regularly replenish our stock. The allotments design came from the idea that the area should be enjoyed
as part of our Commemorative garden. If Fire Fighters are to visit the Commemorative garden, they can
see the vegetables and fruit growing. They may also see or take part in the allotment maintenance
programmes.
Station Officer Paul Hendricken and Fire Fighter Brian Gilbert of A Watch volunteered to construct the
allotment. This involved careful planning. It was important to get the mix and size right, so as not to be
too intrusive into the Commemorative Garden.
S/O Paul Hendricken organised Computer Aided Design drawings of the former wasteland. Eventually we
settled on the appropriate size of 60m2.
Allotment layout KFS
29
Our Growers
We have been very fortunate to have the expert assistance form Caroline Timmons, DFB IT Section and
Mary Mc Sweeney DCC Partnership Liaison Officer. They have been involved in the allotment from
inception and have not just coached and guided the Stations Crew along the way but they have also
propagated all the vegetable seeds for use in the allotment too. This involved many different varieties of
vegetables and included a crop rotation system. Mary has drawn up a crop rotation guideline document
that is permanently on display in the Fire Station. This is included in the appendix. We are very grateful
for the time and continued effort that Caroline and Mary volunteer to the allotment. Since the allotment
has been installed we have produced two harvests. Predominantly Carrots, Cauliflower, Beetroot and
Cabbage have been the main success. We have also grown various types of lettuce on a continual basis
such as: Rocket, Pok Choy, Radicchio and Kos. Other crops include: Turnips, Sweet Pea, Rhubarb, Parsnips
and Courgettes.
Plans to extend
At no stage in the allotment have we grown Potatoes. Most of the crew have expressed an interest in this
and it is envisaged that towards the end of Phase II of this Biodiversity Action Plan that we will extend the
allotment then.
Herb garden
We have included a herb garden in the allotment. Although most herbs would not run the corse of
winter, this small garden includes parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, mint, dill, and other herbs. In most
cases we are cutting back the excess growth and using it in our composter. The cycle will be complete
when the new compost from the herbs is used as compost on the herb garden itself. We also have a bed
in the middle of the allotment that we grow green manure in.
Allotment under construction KFS Allotment after first planting KFS
30
This green manure is a mixture of rapid growing foliage mix that is used
with the excess herbs and sent to our composter for use on the allotment.
We also have a small fruit allotment. This includes: Strawberries,
Raspberries Gooseberries and Black Berries. At one particular time we
actually harvested over 400 Strawberries in one go. The Strawberries have
continued to yield fruit.
Recreational garden
We have built a beautiful decking area in our Recreational
Garden. This includes a raised decking area built on top of a newly
constructed wall. The design of the decking is an elliptical shape,
framed by the gable wall of the Fire Station. At the top of the
decking are the old elements of the Original Gas Boiler mentioned
above, as our take on Modern Art. They have completed the look
of the garden and form the backdrop to produce the number 6 as
a symbol of the Fire Station. Kilbarrack Fire Station is officially
named No.6 Fire Station, within Dublin Fire Brigade. Strategically, the new recreational garden is at the
Junction of Woodland garden. This is because as part of this Biodiversity Action Plan, the person is the
fundamental unit that the biodiversity is built around. We are all dependant on each other and for that
reason the two gardens bring together: Humans, Technology, Innovation and biodiversity all in one
location.
The recreational gardens main innovative features include:
Solar Thermodynamic Collectors
Rain Water Harvesting for the Fire Appliance Waste water treatment works
The newly constructed Gable Wall Solar Gain Window project
The injection moulding of the Cavity in the gable wall as insulation
The Urban Wind Turbines being tested here
The woodland garden with all its below ground eco systems
The former bund area now under construction as a
water feature area
The composting bay
The purpose built insect habitats
Recreational decking under construction
Completed Recreational garden decking
31
Commemorative Garden
In September 2010 Chief Fire Officer Hugh O Neill opened our Commemorative Garden. We also had
members of the local Clergy from different faiths bless our garden. The guests in attendance took part in
the blessing and Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band played a lament and later on some beautiful Pipe music.
We are very proud of the commitment and effort that went into creating this garden. The garden has had
the complete buy in of the Station Crew and the Retired Fire Fighters of all Stations in Dublin Fire Brigade.
The commemorative garden is now the First Garden in the 150 year history of Dublin Fire Brigade for
Members Past and Present. It is an area of reflection and family members of those involved are welcome
to visit the garden and reflect on those members lost. The Commemorative garden is flanked by our
allotment garden to its north and our hand ball alley to its south. The DFB Retired Members have been
involved in every part of this project from the very beginning. They have shown a wealth of experience
and have been arriving in groups several times per week to help the serving Crew with the landscaping
and manual work. The Retired members have been invaluable to Kilbarrack Fire Station’s Biodiversity
Action Plan. This includes facilitating Station visits from local National schools and terminally ill patients
from our Local Hospice.
At the north east corner of the garden we have erected our Commemorative Monument. The Monument
is a symbol of Dublin Fire Brigade and our very strong links with our surrounding communities. Initially
the concept of transforming the waste land into the beautiful garden that it is today seemed almost too
daunting. As mentioned above, we first had to clear the entire area of over forty years worth of debris
and vehicles that had been placed there when they had reached the end of their working lives.
All four Watches of Kilbarrack Fire Station were involved in this project and even with that many hands
on deck, we still needed more help.
The Oak Tree preparation work gets underway
32
The retired members were invaluable because they gave so much of their time. We also drafted in more
serving Crew members from other Fire Stations. This joint effort took several months to complete. We
had to contour the land and we planted our very own Oak Tree in the centre of the grass land. This
specimen Oak Tree is a symbol of the Fire Stations sustainable plans
for its future. The tree was planted by D watch and at the final stages
two classes of children from a local National School visited the Station
to help F/F Stephen O Donnell to finish the job.
Stephen O Donnell was our longest serving Fire Fighter in Kilbarrack
Fire Station and he had worked there since in joined Dublin Fire
Brigade some thirty years previous until the present day. The whole
Fire Station enjoyed the idea that Stephen planted the tree with the
school children and that we are establishing Green Roots with the next
generation from our community.
Commemorative Monument
The Basic Concept of the Commemorative Monument involves the use
of a strong Aberdeen red granite, symbolising thet the Fire Service is an important pillar,ensuring the
safety of our Society. All members past and present are celebrated with this monument. Around the
Monument is a hand carved banner that features the following text: Members Commemorative Garden :
Dublin Fire Brigade : Fire Station No 6. The text reads from the top to the bottom and encircles the
column, giving rise to an interesting interation as the reader finds it necessary to walk around the column
to read the message. The column also featurea stylised Olive Tree branches and birds; symbols of peace
and harmony. At the foot of the column is a based of Irish Limestone. This is in the form of a coiled hose
with the nozzle of the Branch pointing upward, empting off the last of an active event. Beside this is the
original Dubllin Fire Brigade helmet and gloves of a typical DFB Fire fighter. Our Fire Brigades Shield
incorpoating our Bay Laurel emblem is listing to the coiled hose.
Rough Sketch of the Commemorative Monument by Sculptor Phil O Neill
Paul Hand Snr and Jnr receive instructions from Sculptor Phil O Neill
F/F Stephen Mac Donald planting the Oak Tree in KFS
33
The Commemorative Monument Arrives
The Base gets positioned The Column gets positioned
In safe Hands, Paul Hand Snr, places the Limestone Helmet into position
DFB Laurel Leaf Shield
DFB serving Crew, Retired members and Sculptor Phil O Neill erecting the Commemorative Monument
The Commemorative Monument KFS
34
Bees the great Pollinators
Bees are the “keystone organisms” in most terrestrial ecosystems. Bees are essential for maintaining the
integrity, productivity and sustainability of many types of ecosystems including: fields, meadows and
gardens. There is a worldwide crisis in the dwindling numbers of bee abundance and species diversity.
We have been in consultation with the Bee Keeping Association of Ireland and have installed two working
Bee Hives in the Fire Station. Two of the Crew members form D Watch, are undergoing National
Qualification training in Bee Keeping. So far we have two fully trained Bee Keepers working the hives in
Kilbarrack. They are Finbar Lambert from Swords Fire Station and Kevin Fogerty from Tara Street Fire
Station. Both Bee keepers have been mentored by Keith Pierce a Bee Master also from Dublin Fire
Brigade.
We have purposely planted flowers and shrubs that are intended to aid
the Bees in their search for pollen and nectar. However the intention is to
gather results from our bee keeping and to examine the feasibility of a
bee hive for every Fire Station grounds.
Initially there was the perception that if the Bee Hives were placed in the
Commemorative Garden that we would no longer be able to avail of the Garden due to bee stings. This is
absolutely not the case. The Bees have been placed out of the direct path way of the Stations Crew. Bees
have linear flight and have flight pathways in one direction and in this application they have been placed
at the rear perimeter wall of the Fire Station. They won’t be bothering the crew of the Station or people
in the garden for propagation and sowing in our glass house or allotment. Bees only sting as a defensive
action against intruders. We have also built an observation area where children and adults can look at the
bees entering and exiting the hive without being stung.
The Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station has identified Biodiversity as one of its core values by naming
Biodiversity as one of the Seven Themes for genuine Sustainability. The work carried out on the Station
has almost entirely been retro fit work. This shows our emphasis on preserving what we have and taking
corrective actions to lower our Energy and Water consumption. Likewise we are high lighting that if we
can create a beautiful commemorative Garden it is also very important to include Bees and insects in the
Landscape and design. The below ground eco systems don’t actually get seen. The Bee hives are
functional but also attractive. The bird boxes and bat roost are also not too visible. The floral meadow
that we have planted is easy to maintain and looks good yet it has been used by the butterflies that have
visited the Station. By planting Nasturtiums we have been able to isolate all our caterpillars in one
location and we have not needed aphid control or weedkiller at any stage.
A vertical wall vegetation planting project is the last major project commencing ahead of our five year
review. This wall is an ambitious one, involving serious commitment from the Stations Crew. Our
intention is that this wall at the rear of our hand ball alley and directly in the Commemorative Garden will
provide both, a beautiful back drop to our garden and be rich in food for our birds and insects.
35
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Our Biodiversity Action Plan Phase (I) (II) & (III)
Phase (I): Identify
Action Involvement Time scale
The first steps:
Set up internal partnership with D.C.C. Parks Department DCC 3 months
Form partnership with the Irish Wild Life Trust NM 2 weeks
Set up partnership with An Tascaise: involving distribution wildlife and
community information and educational school packs
NM: DCC Mark
Bennet: An Tascaise
Brídín Mulhall
3 weeks
Carry out a feasibility Study on the grounds of the Station A Watch 2 months
Conduct feasibility of installing beehives including site visits and local
research
NM: National
Beekeepers
Authority
4 months
Conduct feasibility study for the construction of the Glass House made
entirely from recycled Products NM: D Watch 1 month
Look for sponsorship / funding / grants NM On going
Carry out Risk Assessment and Health and Safety Audit of hand ball
alley metal fixings attached to the Roof DFB Gerry Woods 2 weeks
Draw up all guidance docs on Vegetable and fruit Gardening for the
Station Crew
DCC: Mary Mac
Sweeney 2 weeks
Apply for Four Water Butts from DCC Water Conservation Department DCC: Sinéad
Hourihane 1 month
36
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (I) Commit:
Action Involvement Timescale
Publish Draft Phase (I) Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station NM 2 months
Hold information session with the Fire Stations Crew 2 months
Commission CADs of the Station NM: DFB Senior
Management 1 week
Designate east facing area of Station grounds as woodland area and
recreational garden
DFB Senior
Management 2 weeks
Designate South facing Station grounds as the new Commemorative
Garden and allotment
DFB Senior
Management
2 weeks
Open cost centre for all financing
Received €15,000 from LANPAG as Sponsorship for the ground works
NM: DFB Accounts:
DFB Senior
Management
1 month
Categorise and list all species of trees plants and shrubbery on Station
grounds
NM: DFB Paul
Keane 2 months
Draw up all guidance docs on Vegetable and fruit Gardening for the
Station Crew
DCC: Mary Mac
Sweeney 2 weeks
Decommission old Fire Appliances on Station Grounds D/O Greg Cornelia 5 months
Decommission old oil tank in bund area NM: DFB Senior
Management 2 months
Install a Lead Acid battery container to receive all batteries from
decommissioned vehicles
NM: Recycling
Village Ltd 1 week
37
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (I): Plan and Take Action
Action Involvement Timescale
Distribute Phase (I) Biodiversity Action Plan among all Stake holders NM: All 1 month
Hold information Session with Stations Crew 2 months
Prepare site for beehives and explore wild garden concept including
meadow drifts
D Watch DCC
Joinery Dept 2 months
Shred all garden waste from the garden prep works A Watch On going
Install a temporary compost bay including a pig recycler for meats D Watch 1 month
Install Nr 4 X Water Butts A Watch 1 month
Set up wormery at compost bay NM:B Watch 2 months
Clear all grounds of debris and segregate all waste for recycling C Watch 4 months
Wash down all of the Station Drill Yard using harvested Rain Water C Watch 1 week
Removal of Nr 3 DCC Parks Department Vehicles from Station DCC Multi Depts 1 month
Removal of Nr 2 DCC transport Department Decommissioned
Vehicles DCC Multi Depts 2 months
Removal of DCC Transport Department mobile Canteen and removal
of Nr 2 green DCC Trailers DCC Multi Depts 3 months
Removal of decommissioned Porta cabin formerly a DFB temporary
Female Toilets
NM: DFB Garage:
D/O Greg Cornelia 9 months
Removal of Nr 3 decommissioned Fire Appliances in Station Yard and
old damaged salt / grit containers
NM: DFB Garage:
D/O Greg Cornelia 4 months
Removal of the old oil tank in the bund area, east side of Station
NM: Temech Ltd:
S/O Paul
Hendricken
1 week
38
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (I) Review:
Action Involvement Timescale
Report Phase (I) findings to DFB Partnership
NM: DFB
Partnership: DFB
Senior Management
1 week
Report Phase (I) work and findings to Senior DFB Management NM: DFB Senior
Management 1 week
Present Phase (I) findings to DCC Corporate Partnership Forum
NM: Corporate
Partnership DFB
Senior Management
1 week
Publish Phase (I) Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station NM: Station Crew 1 week
39
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Identify and Commit
Action Involvement Time scale
Hold information session with Fire Stations Crew NM: All 1 month
Quantity Survey sites and materials: including Willow Park
Construction
NM: DFB Paul
Keane: Alan Walshe 1 month
Draw plans for all Sites including risk assessments
NM: DFB Gerry
Woods: DFB Paul
Keane
2 months
Provide nr 1 x digger and driver for two days
To dig out and scrape back the new pathway around the
commemorative garden
NM: DFB Senior
Management:
Progarden Ltd
1 week
Provide a Bobcat and driver to distribute, spread and level hardcore for
the new paths also to be used on clear up and all tree cuttings.
NM: DFB Senior
Management:
Progarden Ltd
1 week
Research Lighting Technologies for the Commemorative Garden NM: Delight Ltd 1 month
Purchase gardening equipment and Lawnmower NM: DFB Senior
Management 1 month
Publish Draft Phase (II) Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station NM 1 month
Commission survey of Hydroponic waste water treatment works on the
first floor of the Station, increasing levels of oxygen and decreasing
levels of Carbon Dioxide.
NM: Senior
Management: Ollan
Heir Ltd
3 weeks
Allocate all previously collected and stored Retro fit recyclable
materials to new tasks
NM: D Watch:
Retired Members
DFB
1 week
40
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Action: All Ground works: Involvement Time scale
Distribute Phase (I) Biodiversity Action Plan among all Stake holders NM: All 1 month
Prune all trees and shred all cuttings D Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 month
Spray all grass with agricultural weedkiller D Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 week
Initially provide 4 x truck loads of wood chippings Progarden Ltd 1 week
Provide 60 tonnes of premium topsoil Progarden Ltd 1 week
Provide 40 tonnes of hardcore Progarden Ltd 1 week
Brake out areas for tree planting Progarden Ltd 1 week
Provide 40 tonnes of lesser quality topsoil Progarden Ltd 1 week
Clear channels and lay conduit for LED lighting Delite Energy
Solutions 1 week
Install €3000 worth of LED Lighting around the new path way Delite Energy
Solutions 2 days
Pre seed all the new contoured grass land
Progarden Ltd: D
Watch: Retired
Members DFB
1 week
41
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Remove Ivy from the Stations Walls and existing Trees A Watch 1 week
Remove all ICB Containers and have them environmentally
processed and treated to Health and Safety best practice standards.
NM: DFB Garage:
D/O Greg Cornelia 1 month
Remove four decommissioned Fire Appliances and have them sent
to the National Transport museum in Howth Co. Dublin
NM: DFB Garage:
D/O Greg Cornelia 2 months
Set up shredding area with a temporary boundary wall Retired Members
DFB 1 day
Mark Footings for the New Commemorative Monument Retired Members
DFB 1 day
Remove all pruned wood to designated area and shred for later use Retired Members
DFB 2 days
Receive 30 tonnes of Compost for new Pond area Peter O Brien Ltd 2 days
Delivery of distribution of Manure for allotment NM: DFB Retired
Members 1 day
Hand fill allotment raised vegetable beds with manure and soil mix NM: DFB Retired
Members 1 day
Receive and distribute nr 2 tonnes of poor top soil for the Pond NM: DFB Retired
Members 1 day
Prepare the contoured ground for raking A Watch: Retired
Members DFB 3 weeks
Receive 40 tonnes of manure B Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
42
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Receive 20 tonnes of high quality premium screened top soil Retired Members
DFB 1 day
Infill manure mix around Commemorative Monument Perimeter Retired Members
DFB 2 days
Scrape back the new allotment ground works C Watch: Retired
Members DFB 2 days
Level the Allotment area and prepare soil manure mix B Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
Quantify and purchase timber for the new pathway edge NM 1 day
Lay timber edge to Garden pathway. NM: Retired
Members DFB 3 days
Construct allotment using galvanised steel straps and Jointed,
recycled timber railway sleepers A Watch: 2 weeks
Treat railway sleepers with non invasive wood preserver A Watch: 2 days
Mix and fill allotment with manure and premium grade top soil B Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
Removal of decommissioned 40 foot container from
Commemorative Garden entrance
NM: DFB Garage:
D/O Greg Cornelia 1 week
43
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Action: Construction Projects: Involvement Time scale
Remove all metal fixings to the roof of the hand ball alley DFB Crew from No
12 Fire Station 1 week
Recycling of Metal fixings (weighing over two tonne) B Watch 1 day
Begin reconstructing and refurbishing the Bram Stoker Porch Entrance
as our Entrance to the Commemorative Garden
DCC Joinery Dept:
Retired Members
DFB
8 months
Construct and install beehives
DCC Joinery Dept:
Retired Members
DFB
2 weeks
Construct insect habitats and eco systems below ground D Watch: Retired
Members DFB 4 months
Start decking base construction B Watch 1 month
Construct and erect bird boxes and artificial bat roosts from recycled
materials D Watch 1 month
Build full compost bay including concrete plinth B Watch 1 week
Dig foundations for the commemorative monument
Progarden Ltd:
Retired Members
DFB
1 day
Construct large Bat Roost as a feature for back of the handball alley D Watch: Retired
members DFB 2 weeks
Start Decking frame and surface B Watch 3 weeks
Excavate and lay foundations for raised decking wall B Watch 2 days
44
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Build raised decking area wall B Watch 3 days
Build raised decking to use as a seating area B Watch 2 weeks
Oil the decking first coat treatment Retired Members
DFB 1 day
Screed the new wall using Monocouch Screed A watch: Retired
Members DFB 2 days
Lay paving stones on their side 190 x 50 x 60 deep
Progarden: A
watch: Retired
Members DFB
2 days
Lay hardcore for Path way in Commemorative garden A watch: Retired
Members DFB 3 days
Hire and collect two x whackers for two weeks NM 2 weeks
Whack down hardcore for path way A watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
Re whack hardcore path way C Watch: Retired
members DFB 1 day
Receive delivery of 30 tonnes of Fine Dust to make new pathway C Watch: Retired
members DFB 1 day
Spread fine dust over hardcore B Watch 1 day
Whack dust to make new path way C Watch: Retired
members DFB 2 days
Mark out the footings for the new seating area B Watch 1 day
Order and receive delivery of pavement stones and materials for
path and seating areas
NM: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
45
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Pave the seating area and pathway border
Progarden: A
watch: Retired
Members DFB
1 day
Re whack pavement C Watch: Retired
Members DFB 1 day
Re- oil the decking second coat Retired Members
DFB 1 day
Delivery of the Monument
NM: A Watch: D
Watch: Retired
Members DFB
1 day
Installation of the Monument base and erection of the monument
column
NM: A Watch:
Retired Members
DFB: DCC Parks
Dept
1 day
Wash down Fire Stations Drill Yard and remove all debris and waste C Watch 1 day
46
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Action: Other Projects: Involvement Time Scale
Begin all raking and contouring A Watch 2 weeks
Receive and Erect Commemorative garden Monument
NM: A Watch: DFB
Retired Members:
Sculptor Mr. Phil O
Neill
1 day
Purchase Grass seed NM 1 day
Excavate site for raised bed and woodland project A Watch: Retired
Members DFB 2 weeks
Seed the new lawn NM: A Watch 1 day
Water newly seeded lawn for two weeks All Watches: Retired
Members DFB 2 weeks
Purchase 12 x Native Tree Species for the Gardens NM: Paul Keane 1 day
Invite local schools to take part in the Planting of the new Oak Tree D Watch 1 day
Plant native tress and native species in all new gardens including a
twenty year old Oak Tree.
D Watch: Scoile
Eoin: Holy Trinity 1 day
Build allotment using recycled railway sleepers A Watch 2 weeks
Receive and distribute 100 tons of top spoil
NM: A Watch:
Retired Members
DFB
1 day
Level and contour all remaining perimeter areas of new
commemorative garden
NM: A Watch:
Retired Members
DFB
1 day
Begin planting of Commemorative Garden perimeter area Caroline Timmons:
Mary Mac Sweeney 1 day
47
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II): Plan and Take Action
Begin planting seeds for the Allotment
NM: DCC Mary Mac
Sweeney: DCC
Caroline Timmons
1 day
Begin Planting Rhubarb area in the reclaimed Wheel Hubs from the
Old Fire Appliances
NM: DCC Mary Mac
Sweeney: DCC
Caroline Timmons
1 day
Delivery of reclaimed benches from Fairview Park NM: DCC Parks 1 day
Sand back and paint DCC reclaimed Park benches B Watch 2 days
Install reclaimed Park benches in the Commemorative Garden NM: B Watch 1 day
Collect railway bench from the Cagney O Regan family. NM: ABTO Sean
Cagney 1 day
Print and install all new labels for the composting and recycling Bays NM: DCC Mark
Bennett 1 day
48
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (II) Review:
Green Agenda:
As part of a Green Agenda, stemming from the Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station: Partnerships
are now set up and operating with the following organisations:
Dublin City Council Parks Department
Dublin City Council Joinery Department
An Taisce
Prospect Gardens Ltd
The Irish Wild Life Trust
Jack and Jill Foundation
Oxfam International
Action Involvement Timescale
Report Phase (II) findings to DFB Partnership
NM: DFB
Partnership: DFB
Senior Management
1 week
Report Phase (II) work and findings to Senior DFB Management NM: DFB Senior
Management 1 week
Present Phase (II) findings to DCC Corporate Partnership Forum
NM: Corporate
Partnership DFB
Senior Management
1 week
Publish Phase (II) Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station NM: Station Crew 1 week
49
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Main achievements thus far:
The link with Retired Members of Dublin Fire Brigade has proved to be the single biggest
achievement of the whole Biodiversity Action Plan.
We are composting 100% of all organic Station Waste. No organic waste goes to land fill.
There are two working beehives in the Fire Station
The lighting used in the Commemorative Garden at night is LEDs. The entire garden lights up
and is a very welcoming place to be at night time.
Local hospice Patients have visited the Commemorative Garden to relax and have been
brought to the Fire Station by DFB Retired members.
We have produced our second harvest of seasonal vegetables and one crop of fruit
We have planted an Oak Tree in the very centre of our Commemorative Garden. Apart from
being a focal point, this Oak tree is a symbol of our actions and our plans for a more
Sustainable Future and was planted by the children from two local schools and the most
senior member of the Fire Station.
Achievements:
We now have four fully functioning gardens protecting the eco systems that we have helped to
create and nurture. They are as follows:
1) DFB Commemorative Garden for Deceased Members
2) Recreational Garden
3) Woodland Garden
4) Allotment Garden
50
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (III): Identify and Commit
Action Involvement Time Scale
Hold information session with Fire Stations Crew NM: All 1 day
Invite Local Schools and Collages to participate in this Biodiversity Action
Plan NM 1 week
Approval for Biodiversity Action Days with Local schools Nm: Schools 2 weeks
Begin engagement with local Technical Collage Horticultural Students. NM: Paul Keane 1 week
Visit schools and take part in the Green Flags for Schools programme NM On going
Invite Irish Wild life Trust to participate in Infra red filming of Station
Grounds NM On going
Seek approval for Hydroponic project to be instated on the first floor NM: DFB Senior
Management: 1 month
Publish Phase (III) Biodiversity Action Plan among all Stake holders NM: All 1 month
51
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (III): Plan and Take Action
Action Involvement Time Scale
Hold information session with Fire Stations Crew NM: All 1 month
Distribute Phase (III) Biodiversity Action Plan among all Stake holders NM 1 month
Visit schools and take part in the Green Flags for Schools programme NM On going
Begin infra red filming and documenting the nocturnal activities of Bats in
the artificial Bat Roost and live stream to the Web NM On going
Complete the construction of the Pond, using treated rain water from the
under ground grey water treatment works.
NM: Station
Crew On going
Complete final ground works for new eco systems NM: Station
Crew 3 months
Increase wormery chambers NM 1 week
Commence categorising and documenting insect and wildlife species
ahead of the Biodiversity Action Plan Review 2015 NM On going
Complete Bram Stoker Porch project NM: DCC
Joinery 5 months
Finish the media blasting and painting of the old boiler elements NM: Farrah
Engineering On going
Construct a wooden kick board around the perimeter of the decking
including a ramp for wheel chair access B Watch 2 weeks
Extend the allotment area by a further 20m2 D Watch On going
Maintenance of the Commemorative garden
Retired
Members: D
Watch
On going
Planting of nr 1000 Bulbs Retired
Members On going
Restoration of wooden baskets for the allotment DCC Joinery On going
52
Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Phase (III) Review:
Action Involvement Timescale
Report Phase (III) findings to DFB Partnership
NM: DFB
Partnership:
DFB Senior
Management
1 week
Report Phase (III) work and findings to Senior DFB Management NM: DFB Senior
Management 1 week
Present Phase (III) findings to DCC Corporate Partnership Forum
NM: Corporate
Partnership
DFB Senior
Management
1 week
Publish Complete Biodiversity Action Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station NM: Station
Crew 1 week
Write Biodiversity Action Plan Review NM On going
53
Appendix
1) Correspondence from LANPAG Local Area Network of Partnership Advisory Group to
Kilbarrack Fire Station.
2) Letter from Corporate Partnership Forum to Kilbarrack Fire Station.
3) Letter from Delite Energy Solutions to Kilbarrack Fire Station.
4) Letter from Pro Garden Ltd to Kilbarrack Fire Station.
5) Letter from Phil O Neill Sculptor to Kilbarrack Fire Station.
6) Species List Kilbarrack Fire Station
7) C Watch Kilbarrack Fire Station has sent out a press release on their combined changed
eating habits as part of our Green Plan.
8) Memo to the Crew Kilbarrack Fire Station from Neil McCabe
9) Press Release from Dublin Fire Brigade external training division.
Pictured at the launch of the Green Plan and the opening of our DFB Commemorative Garden were: the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Gerry Breen; City Manager, Mr. John Tierney; Chief Fire Officer Dublin Fire Brigade, Mr. Hugh O Neill; Green Business Officer Dublin City Council, Mark Bennett and Fire Fighter Neil McCabe, author of the Green Plan for Kilbarrack Fire Station.
54
1) Correspondence from LANPAG Local Area Network of Partnership Advisory Group to Kilbarrack
Fire Station.
The Local Government National Partnership Advisory Group (LANPAG) was established in 1999 to
provide support for workplace partnership in each of 34 local authorities in Ireland. Through the
development of framework and strategic plans, the provision of training and financial support for
partnership projects, workplace partnership is further strengthened and developed throughout the
sector. LANPAG also facilitates engagement and information sharing between local authorities
through the holding of network meetings.
The Corporate Partnership Forum (CPF) was established in Dublin City Council in 1999 in keeping
with the national agreement of the time, Partnership 2000. The CPF has 34 members drawn from
senior managers and trade union officials who represent the interests of staff across the
organisation. The role of the CPF is as follows;
“To have shared ownership and responsibility for the change process within Dublin City Council in
order to further develop high standards of Public Service by Strengthening Local Government”.
The CPF meets on a monthly basis and identifies strategic initiatives that address the concerns of all
stakeholders. The CPF have progressed a wide range of issues since its inception that are important
to staff and service users. Innovation has been one of the themes pursued by the members of the
Forum, who seek to be well informed about external and internal developments that could impact
negatively or positively on this organisation.
Tony Byrne, Partnership Facilitator invited Neil McCabe to present a presentation on achieving a
Carbon Neutral status for Kilbarrack Fire Station, having seen Neil make this presentation to the Fire
Brigade Partnership group. In February 2009 Neil McCabe made a presentation to the members of
the CPF and outlined the actions and costs involved in achieving this ambitious project. The
members of the Forum were very impressed with the innovative and sustainable approach outlined
by Neil McCabe and supported by senior Dublin Fire Brigade Management. The employee
engagement approach utilised in the instigation of workplace change demonstrated in the
involvement of all members of staff in Kilbarrack Station, was fully in keeping with the partnership
ethos.
In the early stages of the project LANPAG provided financial assistance towards the cost of carrying
out an Energy Audit of Kilbarrack Station. Seeing the potential for other local authorities to adopt
this approach in their own workplaces Neil McCabe was invited to present this project to the Joint
Chairs and Facilitators at the Eastern Region Network of workplace partnership Joint Chairs and
Facilitators. Partnership funding in the sum of €15,000 was provided towards the cost of the
completion of the project.
Mary Mac Sweeney, Partnership Co-ordinator and Tony Byrne, Partnership Facilitator visited the
station in May 2010 and Neil McCabe showed them the extensive changes already made and
outlined the plans for further changes before the initiative is launched in Autumn 2010.
55
2) Letter from Corporate Partnership Forum to Kilbarrack Fire Station.
Partnership Office, Human Resources Department, Dublin City Council, Block 3, Floor 5, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.
Oifig Chomhpháirtíochta, Roinn Acmhainní Daonna,
Comhairle Cathrach Baile Átha Chliath, Bloc 3, Urlár 5, Oifigí Cathartha, An Ché Adhmaid, Baile Átha Cliath 8.
T. 01 222 5151/5158/5147/5148
28th May 2010
Mr. Neil McCabe
Firefighter,
Kilbarrack Fire Station,
Raheny Road,
Kilbarrack,
Dublin 5
Re: Green Project Kilbarrack Fire Station
Dear Mr. McCabe,
On behalf of the members of the Corporate Partnership Forum we would like to thank you for the impressive work that you are overseeing
in the transformation of Kilbarrack Fire Station. The Forum is fully supportive of the approach you and your colleagues are taking to the
application of sustainable principles in the implementation of significant workplace change.
We are delighted to inform you that partnership funding of €15,000 can be made available towards the cost of the completion of the
“Green Project” Kilbarrack Fire Station. We believe that the learning from the work carried out in Kilbarrack is a great example of an
innovative, bottom up approach to the development of practical sustainable solutions in the workplace. There is significant scope for
other work locations to adopt a similar approach to reducing energy dependency and in harnessing rain water, solar and wind power to
meet their energy requirements.
Kilbarrack Fire Station will be an example to others who wish to take a similar approach. The Corporate Partnership Forum is happy to be
associated with this important project, and wish you every success with its completion.
Kind Regards,
_______________________ _______________________ Frank Kelly Pat McCormack
Partnership Joint Chair Partnership Joint Chair
59
6) Species List Kilbarrack Fire Station
Species No Age
Sycamore 12 25
Horse Chestnut 3 34
Ash 1 36
Hazel 1 10
Oak 1 8
Phyllostachys nigra 3 8
Prunus Luistanica Angustifolia 3 6
Quercus robur 1 5
Corylus Avellana Contorta 1 6
Sorbus aucuparia Asplenifolia 3 7
Eyonymus President Gaulthier 1 5
60
7) C Watch Kilbarrack Fire Station have sent out a press release on their combined changed eating
habits as part of our Green Plan.
C Watch Goes Green C Watch Goes Lean
C Watch in Kilbarrack Fire Station have really engaged in the spirit of the Green Plan Project. To
coincide with their sustainability project, C Watch decided to hatch their own Green and Lean Plan.
There were two objectives of the C watch plan.
1. Make a positive and real contribution to the Kilbarrack Fire Stations’ Green Plan
sustainability project and
2. Increase the personal fitness levels of each watch member combined with a weight loss
programme
In realising the first objective, the Watch took responsibility for the redevelopment of the waste
ground at the rear of the handball alley, which has now been transformed into Dublin Fire Brigades
First Commemorative Garden for members past and present. Mission accomplished. Objective
number two required a bit more heated discussion before an action plan was agreed. In horse racing
parlance, there were some lean thoroughbreds and some seasoned nags who were fond of their
oats, among the group.
Consensus was the order of the day and the following plan swung into action;
o The Watch signed up for the Cycle To Work scheme
o A weekly weigh-in became compulsory
o Circuit Training and physical work in the garden formed part of the drill programme
The watch have their own resident nutritionist and personal trainer in Karina Daly. The personal
exercise and weight loss programmes were all complimented by the culinary skills of the on-site
gourmet chef in the form of senior man and mess man, Vincent Savage. Low GI foods, which are
slow sugar releasing foods, became the main part of a new diet plan. Sweet potatoes replaced chips
and baked potatoes were used instead of mashed potatoes. Yeast free brown bread replaced white
bread. The yeast free brown bread is prepared in the station by the mess man.
Roasted vegetables replaced rice and pastas. The one downside is that the initiative has not helped
the current recession as some local fast foot outlets have begun to lay off staff!!!
The outcome of the change in diet and increase in exercise levels has been clear for all to see. Each
watch member has enjoyed weight loss and an increase in energy/motivation levels. Weight loss to
date has been a total of 196 Lbs.
Overall the project has been very enjoyable and successful as evidenced by a beautiful garden and a
healthier watch.
Staying Green and Staying Lean is the next challenge.
61
8) Memo to the Crew Kilbarrack Fire Station from Neil McCabe
Green Plan Kilbarrack Fire Station
Dublin Fire Brigades first Deceased Members Garden is well and truly underway. The garden will
formally be opened in August with the DFB pipe band playing a lament and the local Parish Priest
blessing the area.
On the same day the Green Plan is also being launched. Officials attending the day will be the new
Lord Mayor of Dublin and the City Manager.
A monument sculptured by World renowned sculptor Phillip O Neill has been commissioned and the
cost of this is €6,500 plus an extra €650 for the footings. This fee would normally be at least €20,000
but Mr. O Neill wishes to offer his work as a thank you to DFB for the Service that we provide and
the only cost is for the Red Granite Stone.
We have made a Biodiversity Action Plan that identifies the work needed. The crew of no 6 have
given over a lot of their free time to the project. Along the way I have contracted a landscaping
company to help with the bigger parts of the project, such as the ground works, landscaping,
equipment and machinery. The Retired Members have also been more then helpful to our cause.
I am very grateful to all the staff in the No 6 for their efforts and contribution to the deceased
members garden project so far. I am currently looking for volunteers to help with the final push on
the garden. The launch date is not far.
Some of the tasks for volunteers are:
The raking of the topsoil
Spreading of pre seed and grass seed
Laying of the timber edge around the pathway
Planting of the vegetables
Oiling of the decking timbers.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Paul Keane A Watch on 0868175558. Paul is
overseeing the project from here on in.
Once again a very big thanks to all the staff on all four Watch’s for all their help to date.
Neil McCabe
62
9) Press Release from Dublin Fire Brigade external training division.
Bats, Bees and Bram Stoker’s front door!
Press Release: Dublin, October 2010 – Teachers and pupils from nine primary schools in the
Kilbarrack, Killester, Raheny and Donaghmede areas were invited to Kilbarrack Fire Station for a very
unique and interesting information morning recently. Approximately 260 children, many of whom
were dressed up as ghosts and goblins, were given talks on fire safety, sustainability and Irish
wildlife.
Kilbarrack Fire Station has been named as the Flagship in the Sustainability Report 2010 for Dublin
City Council. Neil McCabe, Fire Officer based at the Station, is leading the way in implementing a
Green Plan for Dublin Fire Brigade. This event was one of a number of community initiatives that
has been organised by Neil.
As part of the Green Plan, the station has developed a rainwater harvesting system, reduced its
electricity consumption by 80%, recycles 40% of all its waste and houses bats and bees in its
dedicated eco garden. For this Halloween event, at the entrance of the garden stands the original
front door to the home of Dublin born author Bram Stoker.
Darren O’Connor, training instructor from DFB External Training gave the children a dramatic
demonstration of a burning chip pan and a general talk on fire safety in the home. Much to their
surprise, Darren explained how the Dublin Fire Brigade responds to 750 calls per day.
Education Officer, Katie Egan from The Irish Wildlife Trust gave a fascinating talk about the life of
bats in Ireland. In their spare time, Fire Officers dedicated to the Green Plan, have built water and
light proof bat boxes to house bats at the Station. All pupils were given special fire safety packs to
take home and a bat box for each school.
Phil Kelly, Training Manager with DFB External Training commented ‘One of our key objectives at
DFB External Training is to support fantastic community initiatives like Neil’s today.’ He continued
‘The Unit has been providing best practice commercial training for a number of years. We never lose
sight of our purpose as part of Dublin Fire Brigade to protect the community. Providing basic
essential fire safety training for school children is something we are proud to participate in.’