An innovative community initiative has seen 30 young trees planted in the new Killarney Burial Ground to greatly enhance the extensive car parking area adjacent to the final resting place of loved ones.

TAKING A BREAK: Members of the Rotary Club of Killarney pictured with Kerry County Council landscaping staff at Killarney Burial Ground on Wednesday planting trees were: John Shanahan (founding member) John Tarrant and Finbar Kennelly. Photo: Don MacMonagle

THE FIRST TREE: Members of the Rotary Club of Killarney pictured with Kerry County Council landscaping staff at Killarney Burial Ground on Wednesday planting trees. Pictured were: Killarney Rotary President Rayla Tadjimatova Denis Doody John O'Shea and Paul Sherry planting the first tree. Photo: Don MacMonagle

The Rotary Club of Killarney initiative is part of the worldwide organisation’s pledge to support the environment and the local club applied for, and was successful in, obtaining grant funding from the Community Support Scheme from Kerry County Council to fulfil the objective.

The initial contact was established with outgoing Killarney Municipal District Officer Eileen O'Donoghue and the burial ground was chosen as a prime location for the planting as it has been identified as an area that needed attention in the most recent Tidy Towns report.

A comprehensive plan identifying species and planting locations was drawn up by tree expert Cormac Foley while horticulturist and founding member of the Rotary Club of Killarney, John Shanahan, was tasked with sourcing the trees.

A total of 12 Silver Birch (Betula Pendula), 15 Rowan (Sorbus Aucuparia) and three Native Oak were planted at a ceremony on Wednesday while a Weeping Mulberry was selected to occupy pride of place in the meditation area adjacent to the Columbarium wall just inside the main walk of the graveyard.

Killarney Rotary Club members were on hand to assist Kerry County Council foreman Noel O'Leary and Council landscaping staff with the completion of the project.