Award-winning garden gifted to State by EU plants roots at Cork's Marina

An award-winning garden has been unveiled along the Marina Promenade.

The garden installation, which was first displayed during this year’s Bord Bia Bloom Festival, was gifted to the people of Cork by Ireland’s European Union commissioner Michael McGrath.

The installation, designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, was created to mark Ireland’s EU presidential term.

It consists of 27 trees, each representing an EU state.

Mr and Mrs Schurmann said that a wishing tree, located alongside the garden, will also provide a space for people to share their hopes and aspirations for Ireland and the EU.

The event was attended by a number of public officials, including Lord Mayor of Cork Damian Boylan, who formally accepted the ‘Shared Roots, Common Shade’ garden.

Mr Boylan said: “I am honoured to accept, on behalf of the people of Cork, this remarkable garden as a lasting legacy of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.”

Powerful reminder of European connection

“It is a wonderful addition to The Marina and a powerful reminder of the connections that link Cork to communities across Europe,” he said.

“It creates another new space here on the banks of the River Lee for people to gather and to reflect on all that unites us as Europeans.

“We are grateful to the European Commission for this generous gift and proud to welcome it to Cork.”

Green Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Honore Kamegni, said that he was “delighted to attend the official handover of the EU garden at The Marina promenade”.

“It is a true sign of unity, solidarity, and togetherness.

“It is there for everyone to enjoy and see the trees grow together.”

Shaping Europe's future

Mr McGrath said the garden reflects the “strength we gain from working together”.

“Just as every tree contributes to the health and beauty of a forest, every member state has a role to play in shaping Europe’s future,” said Mr McGrath.

“We are delighted that this award-winning garden will have a permanent home in Cork, where it can continue to inspire reflection on our shared European future.”

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the garden is “a powerful living symbol of how we are stronger when we work together”.

“I am delighted that this garden has found a permanent home on The Marina, one of the best public amenities in the country,” said Ms O’Sullivan.

The garden was shipped from Dublin after the Bord Bia Bloom Festival and was installed on Cork City’s Marina promenade by staff from Cork City Council’s Parks Department.