New garden with striking mural opened at Carrick-on-Suir direct provision centre

A new vegetable and herb garden with a striking art mural as its focal point has been created for the residents of Bridgewater House Direct Provision Centre in Carrick-on-Suir.

A celebration to mark the Garden of Hope’s completion and opening took place on June 7 - the national Cruinniú na nÓg day of free creativity for children and young people.

Bridgewater House’s Community Liaision Officer Martina Walsh said the garden opening party was a lovely occasion for the Centre’s residents.

Arts and crafts activities were laid on for children and the mural created by former Bridgewater House resident Alba Primavera Barrientos de Cruz was unveiled.

Alba is originally from El Salvador in Central America and continues to live in Carrick-on-Suir since her asylum application was approved.

Her Garden of Hope mural shows two hands meeting in a fist bump gesture– a symbol of human connection, hope and unity.

The image is framed by colourful flowers and plants.

Martina said Cruinniú na nÓg funding was secured to create the herb and vegetable garden with local carpenter Jason Diggins making a buddy bench and planters for the space.

She says the garden is a quiet space for Centre's residents to sit in and enjoy and is located next to the Centre’s playground. She reports some of the vegetables and herbs the residents have planted are already sprouting above ground.

Md Samsul Haq, Giorgi Sauri and Gela Gablaia at work in the new Garden of Hope

Children enjoying the arts and crafts at the recent Cruinniú na nÓg day celebration to mark the opening of the new garden at Bridgewater House in Carrick-on-Suir