The first Organic Community Garden in Castlebar is up and running. Volunteers working on this project are seeking donations of gardening tools, plants and equipment such as shed, water storage, benches, etc from individuals or businesses in the Castlebar area. A number of businesses have been written to and have already indicated their approval for donations to this worthwhile project.

Sinn Féin Cllr. Thérèse Ruane said:

"This is a really innovative and important project and we really appreciate the support of the council and indeed of businesses in the town who have indicated their willingness to donate materials, plants, to this worthy and innovative project. So much hard work has gone in to this project to date by dedicated volunteers, Castlebar Town Council, Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, and South West Mayo Development Company and it's great to see it paying off."

"We looked at a number of potential sites to develop the first Community Garden in Castlebar. Following a consultation process with the local community, a site in An Sruthán/ Cois Abhainn was identified as most suitable and work has started to develop this innovative project. A dedicated group of volunteers who are resident in An Sruthán/Cois Abhainn are busy at work getting the garden into shape. Participants in the garden also have the opportunity to take part in an organic gardening course on site over the 2010 growing season. Everyone is already looking forward to fruitful rewards and great fun over the summer months!"

"I'd like to see a community garden in every estate and community in this town and County. 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 get to know each other, to work together and enjoy the benefits of home grown organic food at the same time. This is just the start and I'll be promoting the development of allotments in Castlebar for next year. More and more people want to grow their own organic healthy food in their locality and we, as a Council, should facilitate this"

If anyone has spare tools, equipment, sheds, plants, garden furniture (in good working order!), please contact Thérèse at 086 3483414. Any support is greatly appreciated.CRÍOCH.