**Urgent Update: New Bat Roost Opens at Coole Park, Gort Today**

UPDATE: A new bat roost has just opened at Coole Park in Gort, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts. Junior Minister Sean Canney officiated the ceremony earlier today, October 15, 2023, highlighting the importance of protecting the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a rare species in need of habitat preservation.

The renovated structure, formerly an Apple store, is designed specifically to safeguard these bats, ensuring their survival and promoting biodiversity in the region. This initiative is a collaborative effort led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has managed Coole Park Nature Reserve since 1987.

In a touching moment during the event, Minister Canney received a rare signed limited edition book by WB Yeats, gifted by the Muldoon family from America. This valuable addition will be retained as part of the collection at Coole Park, enriching its cultural heritage.

Coole Park, once the residence of the Gregory Family and Lady Augusta Gregory, is not just a nature reserve; it serves as a historical landmark, merging the preservation of nature with the rich literary legacy of Ireland.

This new bat roost is crucial for the ongoing efforts to protect wildlife, especially as challenges like habitat loss continue to threaten native species. As the conservation landscape evolves, the establishment of such facilities plays an essential role in supporting ecological balance.

As the community celebrates this important addition, officials are urging local residents and visitors to respect the area and its wildlife. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to monitor and manage the site to ensure its success.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the positive impact it promises for the environment and local biodiversity.