KCA has a poly-tunnel project

Image: Dplant Horticulture.

A project to acquire a poly-tunnel for Kilcullen Community Action is moving closer as the group works on an application for Leader funding, writes Brian Byrne.

The plan is to locate the tunnel on a secure site, and use it to grow flowers for the summer flowers project. The idea is part of KCA's work to help Kilcullen become a more sustainable community.

The poly-tunnel, the first of two in the project, will be a high-tech affair, with a 'hot' composter and a self-watering system powered by a solar panel.

The recent KCA meeting heard that waste from local food producers will be processed in the composter. Up to ten water butts will be used to store rainwater for the tunnel irrigation.

Eoin Houlihan told the meeting that the estimated cost of the installation will be €7,500. If the application is successful, the Leader Partnership would fund 75pc of the cost.

Though the application forms are 'quite laborious' and there are matters such as getting a folio map and a six-year licence from the location's owner, Eoin Houlihan said that the installation could 'in theory' be in place by April or May.

This is predicated on the application being completed and with Leader by the end of January.


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