Probation Service clients taking part in Community Service at Mud Island
Enhancing Community Safety is one of the 5 pillars in the Statement of Strategy 2024 – 26 for the Probation Service, enabling positive change, resulting in fewer victims and safer communities. The Local Community Safety Partnership were delighted to introduce our partners in The Probation Service to the amazing project at Mud Island Community Garden.
Following the launch of their Statement of Strategy 2024-26, The Probation Service Director, Mark Wilson, joined Senior Probation Officer, Dermot Thomas Lavin, Probation Assistant Anna M and Community Service Supervisor Eamonn Keenan on a tour of Mud Island Community Garden, in Dublin’s North Strand, accompanied by the Department of Justice’s Deputy Secretary John O’Callaghan.
With beautiful weather on the day the stunning garden was in full bloom. Volunteer Ross Golden-Bannon treated the group to an enlightening, comprehensive tour of the garden. He was eager to praise the work done by those taking part in Community Service on site, without whom the herculean work that went into creating this brilliant community resource simply would not have been possible.
Ross talked them through a number of community projects centred around the garden, including welcoming local school children into the garden to get some hands-on horticultural experience, hosting pizza nights for the surrounding community with ingredients sourced from the garden and even special performances on their purpose-built stage.
Following their tour of the garden, Mark and John joined the Probation Service clients taking part in Community Service at Mud Island for an informal chat about their experiences with Community Service. They were extremely generous with their insights and spoke openly about how beneficial they have found their time at Mud Island and with Community Service more generally. Mud Island is open to all from 2-5pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays so please drop in and experience for yourself this fantastic community resource. 🌷🌷
