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In November 2024 a press news release was issued nationally by project funders Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to mark the finish of the 'Tern the Tide' project - read the full article linked here.
The unveiling included the hoisting of a Little Tern residency flag, signalling the significance of the conservation site, which has been managed by BirdWatch Ireland for over 30 years. Designed to alert visitors, walkers and dog owners to exercise caution in the area, the flag will be raised again during Little Tern nesting season (May – August), when the birds return from their wintering grounds in West Africa to breed along the shingle beach.
An excerpt in quotation of the Artists and Project Partners and Funders; “This installation is the powerful example of how art and conservation can come together to both celebrate and protect these remarkable birds,” said Marie Gordon and Laura McMahon, the lead artists for the project. “A special thanks to Creative Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, the Kilcoole community, and Iarnród Éireann, whose support and contributions made this project possible. We hope it inspires greater awareness of, and involvement in, climate action.”
As a key project partner, Iarnród Éireann provided 40 decommissioned railway signs from its Portlaoise Sleeper Depot, which the artists skilfully transformed into Little Tern sculptures. To further support the site’s biodiversity, Iarnród Éireann’s environmental team planted native pollinators around the installation, enhancing the local habitat and adding visual interest year-round.
Joanne Bissett, Arts & Social Officer with Iarnród Éireann said, “Seeing our retired railway signage repurposed and reimagined into artwork celebrating Little Tern conservation is truly inspiring. It represents a real coming together of Ireland’s transport heritage and the environment. This initiative not only highlights Iarnród Éireann’s commitment to sustainable practices but also celebrates the Little Terns.”
Adele Mealey from Creative Ireland closed by emphasising the broader impact of this project, saying; “Tern the Tide represents the very essence of Creative Ireland’s Creative Climate Action Fund. By merging art and community, and incorporating sustainable practices through upcycled materials, we’re supporting an initiative that raises awareness about biodiversity in a truly tangible way. Together with Iarnród Éireann and BirdWatch Ireland, we’re proud to create opportunities that foster a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s natural heritage and inspire climate-conscious actions.”
Brian Burke, Sea Bird Scientist with Birdwatch Ireland, and Kilcoole, Little Tern Project Manager, remarked on the importance of the initiative: “The dedication of local residents and partners to protect Kilcoole’s Little Tern colony is extraordinary. This colony has grown from just 20 nesting pairs in the 1980s to 225 pairs today—a real conservation success story. The Tern the Tide installation is a beautiful reminder of how we can turn the tide on species protection when communities, artists, and conservationists work together.”
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