Project Description

The flood plain around the estuary of the Moyarta River covers a large area upstream from the bridge and along the northern perimeter of Carrigaholt village. Currently the area is covered with reedbeds and wet meadows, some of which regularly flood in winter. Historic flood protection is in disrepair. The river is exposed to raw sewage from the village and dwellings further upstream, a problem that the Carrigaholt community has been highlighting and trying to resolve in cooperation with the authorities. Current efforts to bring an end to the sewage problem are promising.

Should this problem be solved, the Moyarta River would lose its current poor water quality rating (Q-rating 3 = moderately polluted) which would enable both water sports and oyster culture to expand into Carrigaholt Bay to help the economy of Carrigaholt and the wider Loop Head Peninsula.

In cooperation with the landowners who wish to partake, parts of the flood-plain area could then be preserved as a nature sanctuary and recreational area for the benefit of residents, visitors and wildlife alike. Carrigaholt Bay and the Moyarta Estuary already support a wide variety of birds and the estuary itself, although not accessible at the moment, is one of the most picturesque spots on the Loop Head Peninsula. What this space. 

The Carrigaholt Wetlands Area project envisages the development of a boardwalk along the river of repaired flood-protection dykes, with an information point explaining the natural history, flora and fauna of the Moyarta River as well as the creation of safe-areas for birds and other wildlife. A nature observation hide along the boardwalk and (re-)introduction of native wetland wildflowers is also a possibility. The area currently being envisaged is the 11 acres between the village and the Moyarta River.

Project Justification & Objectives

The Carrigaholt Wetlands Area would not only add a unique recreational area to the village which would attract nature enthusiasts and other visitors but would also be another major building block and Point of Interest within the Loop Head Peninsula Discovery Way.

In addition, the project could be a prime example showcasing that it is possible to create a space that would serve residents, visitors and biodiversity alike.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Landowner(s)

• CDA

• Residents with properties bordering the river estuary

• Carrigaholt Community

• Local Authority Waters Programme

• Loop Head Together

• Loop Head Tourism

• Clare CoCo

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!