Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane has welcomed the backing of members of the Castlebar Town Council for setting up a community garden in the town.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the members of Castlebar Town Council have backed my motion,” Cllr Ruane said following a recent meeting. “This exciting initiative, a first for Castlebar, will now go ahead. This week we met with council officials and together we have identified a number of potential sites for this garden. We hope to have this up and running in the spring. If this works well, there is no reason why this can’t be replicated in other parts of the town. This project provides the opportunity for local people in their estate or local neighbourhood come together and develop a vegetable plot collectively. It’s ideal for everyone of all ages and it’s a great way for neighbours to get to know each other, to work together, and enjoy the benefits of home grown organic food at the same time.
“People are becoming more and more interested in eating and growing local, healthy, organic food. Private allotments and home gardens are mushrooming throughout the country. In Castlebar private allotments started up last year and have proven really successful. Here in Mayo, we’re very lucky to have St Colman’s Organic Centre in Mayo Abbey, which runs courses and provides excellent support and opportunities for people interested in organic gardening. Mayo Organic Group also meet there on a monthly basis.”
With unemployment rising, many people have more time on their hands now; we’re always complaining that we don’t know our neighbours – this is an ideal opportunity to build healthy communities, be part of an exciting new project, and avail of home grown vegetables from your own neighbourhood plot. If anyone wants to find out more about this initiative, you can contact Castlebar Town Council or Cllr Ruane on 086 348 3414.
