This project began with a chance meeting during the
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann AGM on Inishmore (Aran Islands) in May 2004
when an ad hoc steering
committee was
established under the auspices of the
Comhdháil to promote and
develop organic market gardening and its related
activities on the offshore islands. In particular, the committee has been
working on projects which would allow island growers to obtain polytunnels for
island use. Global approval for this project has been
obtained from the Department of Rural Affairs, which will greatly streamline the
grant application process for small scale organic agricultural projects on the
islands (grants up to 35% of elegible project costs).
A formal training workshop/ conference was held in November 2004 on Inishbofin
with participants from a large number of islands, from Cape Clear in the south
to Inis Bofine in Donegal.. The weekend involved a visit to Mary Lavelle's
polytunnel, talks and presentations given by Mary Lavelle, Chris Smith of
Western Herbs and Veg, Dolores Keegan of the Organic Centre, Manfred Waddell of
Fruit Hill Farm, Dara Molloy of Bia Arainn, John Reidy of Teagasc, and Martin
Gavin of the IFA. On the final day of the conference the participants
established the formal steering group for Garrai na h Oileain.
This group includes:
Séamus Ó Drisceoil, Comhdháil Project Development Officer, Oileán Cléire, Co Chorcaí.
Mary Lavelle, NRDP Administrator & established Market Gardener, Inishbofin Island, Co Galway.
Daragh Ó Maoldia, Founder member of Bia Árainn, Inis Mór, Co na Gaillimhe.
John Walsh, Development Officer, Bere Island Projects Group, Bere Island, Co Cork.
Ciara Cullen, Clare Island, Co Mayo
Rhoda Twombly, Inishlyre, Co Mayo
Patricia Moore, Heir Island, Co Cork
Mairin Ni Fearraigh, Co Donegal
[Why organic mareket gardening on offshore Islands] [Background to the project] [Objectives] [Training] [Useful links]