Near FM returned to Dublin City Council’s Rose Festival in St. Anne’s Park for a 3-hour special featuring environmental organisations, community groups, Irish-language conversation, local history, animal welfare, emotional support and live music.

Recorded on the 18th July, the programme places a strong focus on biodiversity and the practical ways individuals and communities can protect Ireland’s wildlife, coastlines, rivers and pollinators.

First hour with Patrick Domanico

Liane Costello, Biodiversity Officer with Clean Coasts, explores the variety of life found around Ireland’s coast, the routes by which waste can reach the marine environment and the value of collective community action. She talks about beach cleans, micro-volunteering and the need for established coastal groups to attract a new generation of volunteers.

Then Charlotte Salter-Townshend, Communications and Network Officer with the Irish Wildlife Trust tells us about the decline of Ireland’s wildlife and habitats, the National Nature Restoration Plan, marine protection, open-net salmon farming and the Irish Wildlife Trust’s guiding principle of hope through action. She also explains how people can support nature through community involvement, membership and simple measures such as allowing pockets of wild plants to grow.

Finally during Patrick’s hour, Ukebox dropped by for a visit. Justin, Fran and Oisín, discuss the band’s ten-year history and their repertoire of happy summer songs played on ukuleles. They draw a huge, re-energised crowd as they perform live versions of “Stand by Me” and“Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

Second hour with Antaine Mac Máhúna

Ciarán Conneely, from Dublin Community Growers explains the differences between honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees, and why protecting native species involves more than simply introducing additional beehives. He also discusses Dublin’s network of community gardens and their contribution to biodiversity, organic growing, local food, education and community life.

Then Joe Cully, from the School of Irish Archaeology introduces Antaine to The Big Dig, a programme which allows children to explore archaeology through replica Hiberno-Norse houses based on those uncovered during the Wood Quay excavations. He discusses the role of the Norse in the development of Irish towns and cities and Ireland’s thousands of years of human settlement.

Finally, Antaine is in his ‘as Gaeilge element‘ as Mícheál Ó Nualláin from Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge discusses the demand for more opportunities to speak Irish in Dublin, the organisation’s work with local businesses and the importance of creating welcoming events for speakers at every level.

Third hour with Emma Farrell

Paul from The Samaritans‘ Dublin office discusses the confidential emotional support provided by Samaritans volunteers, who are available 24 hours a day, on jo@samaritans.ie or 116 123 every day of the year. He explains that volunteers listen without judgement or giving advice, and highlights loneliness as a significant reason people contact the service.

Then Marie Hannon, founder of Dogs in Distress explains the organisation’s foster-based approach to rescuing and rehoming dogs, the work and expense involved in meeting each animal’s needs and the emotional impact on people forced to surrender long-term pets because they cannot secure suitable rented accommodation.

Next, Treasure the Tolka founder, Toby O’Mahony Adams, explains how the volunteer group works to restore biodiversity along the River Tolka by removing rubbish and invasive plants and reporting pollution. He also discusses the damage caused by Himalayan balsam** and invites more people to become involved in the group’s activities. [**Update, 23 July 2026: Following the recording of this interview, Treasure the Tolka was advised by an NPWS Ranger that a licence may be required for its Himalayan balsam removal work. The group has paused further removal while it seeks clarification from NPWS regarding the legal requirements applicable to its method. Treasure the Tolka remains committed to working constructively with NPWS and the relevant local authorities.]

Finally, Emma is joined by the newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Darryl Barron.

They chat about the Rose Festival, his connections with the local area and his priorities for the mayoral year, including a safer and cleaner Dublin, tackling dereliction, empowering young people and honouring communities.

Near FM’s coverage of the St Anne’s Park Rose Festival was supported by Dublin City Council

Presenters: Patrick Domanico, Antaine Mac Máhúna, Emma Farrell
Producer: Jaye Palmer
Technical production: Gay Graham, Gabor Zajzon, Bill Bergin
Audio Editor: Gabor Zajzon
Photographs: Jaye Palmer

First Broadcast on 23rd July 2026