galway greens launch get ireland growing campaign at new NUIG organic garden

Today the Galway Greens launched their local campaign to Get Ireland Growing at Ireland's first Campus Organic Garden in NUIG.

The launch was performed by Seamus Sheridan of Sheridan's Cheesmongers and the slow food movement, Will Softly of Irish Seedsavers and Cait Curran the editor of Irish Organic Matters.

Cllr Niall O Brolchain (Green candidate Galway City West),
Mairead Ni Chroinin (Green candidate Galway City Central),
Cait Curran editor Organic Matters.

Local Green Party Councillor Niall O Brolchain who is also the national campaigns manager for the Greens, is delighted with the upsurge in interest of people growing their own food.

“I am told that sales of vegetable seeds have increased by around 300% this year. Maybe this is something to do with the recession but it is also clear that the work of the Greens and food Minister Trevor Sargent in particular has encouraged many people to grow their own food," said Cllr O Brolchain.

“I am astounded by the enormous interest in allotments and the waiting list has surged to over 140 applicants in recent times. I am also delighted with the response to Minister Sargent’s ‘Incredible Edibles’ scheme that encourages school children to learn how to grow food. Most schools in the country are now participating.”

“Along with the Council I would urge private landowners to set up allotment schemes in and around Galway City. Typically an allotment would be leased out for around €100 per annum for the period of 5 years. With the slowdown in housing development this may prove to be a good use of land that would otherwise lie idle," said Cllr O Brolchain.

The Galway Greens will be manning a stand on Shop Street on Saturdays to encourage people to get involved in the campaign," concluded Cllr O Brolchain.

Photo captions: Cllr Niall O Brolchain (Green candidate Galway City West), Mairead Ni Chroinin (Green candidate Galway City Central), Cait Curran editor Organic Matters.