Grow your own: RTÉ to screen new series for allotment gardeners

RTÉ is to screen a programme on “growing your own” in Cork which will be presented by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan.

The national broadcaster is teaming up with Cork City Council to highlight the growing number of allotments springing up in the country.

The station’s director of communications Bride Rosney made the announcement at the Cork People of the Year awards yesterday.

Ms Rosney said the city council would make land available for the public to grow their own vegetables.

It is hoped to start filming next April on an allotment which will be opened by the local authority.

“It is a major social initiative, developing small city farmers,” Ms Rosney said.

Dublin-born Corrigan is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest chefs and he will focus on the joys of growing your own fresh vegetables for the table during the series.

He has cooked for Tony Blair and the King of Jordan and President Mary McAleese and worked in several Michelin star restaurants.