В Лимерике на стене появился новый мурал с красной белкой

THE red squirrel has a new home in Limerick City at Watergate Flats. The striking new mural, created by Draw Out’s artist in residence, Lulu Keely, celebrates the iconic red squirrel. The project was delivered through a collaboration between Limerick City and County Council’s Housing Construction and Maintenance Department, the Biodiversity Office, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and creative partners Draw Out. The mural not only enhances the visual appeal of the area, the Council said, but serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting urban biodiversity. Red squirrels are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1976. The native special faces ongoing pressures from habitat loss and competition from the invasive grey squirrel. Members of the public are encouraged by Limerick Council to report red squirrel sightings to the National Biodiveristy Data Centre. Speaking about the project, Limerick City and County Council Biodiversity Officer, Sinead Mc Donnell, said: “The red squirrel is one of Ireland’s most treasured native species, and this mural is a creative way of highlighting its importance. By combining public art with biodiversity awareness, Wildlife Walls encourages people to celebrate, understand and protect the wildlife that forms part of Limerick’s natural heritage.” Wildlife Walls is a public art initiative led by Limerick City and County Council in collaboration with urban art organisation Draw Out and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Local Authority Biodiversity Fund. The project transforms city walls into large-scale murals celebrating Limerick’s native wildlife, with a particular focus on lesser-known or under-threat species. By bringing these species into the urban environment, Wildlife Walls aims to raise awareness of biodiversity, highlight the importance of healthy ecosystems, and create a vibrant, accessible “wildlife trail” throughout the city that encourages people to look more closely at the natural world around them.