There are people from 60 different countries living in a County Kildare town

Some 60 nations across the globe are represented by people living in Naas.

A new project, known as Failte Forest, has been unveiled to represent this fact.

It’s located in the Naas lakes area, adjacent to the public hospital and it was conceived by the Naas Tidy Towns group.

The art installation features the flags of the various nationalities residing locally and a native Irish tree has also been planted for each group.

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According to Bill Clear of  NTT it  is a symbol of welcome, inclusivity and respect “for these diverse cultures and nationalities.”

The first phase of the project was part sponsored by locally-based food production company Dawn Farms as well as NTT and includes trees and wooden posts.

The first 30 flags to be chosen were from some of the nationalities of people working in Dawn Farms.

However many other public, private and religious entities have employees who came from a country outside Ireland, including the neighbouring hospital.

Mr Clear says  the project “acknowledges and respects the multicultural town and community that we live in.”

It is hoped to complete the second phase of the project in 2025

NTT also initiated a project at the Famine Graveyard, which will be finished in the next few months. Another initiative marking a traditional watering hole near the lakes will be completed soon with signage and an account of its history.

NTT believes these projects will enhance the local  environment and will be useful visual aids for teachers and pupils on nature and educational walks.