Cork convent launches garden project in solidarity with refugees

Working with volunteers to get the garden ready, they also had to contend with foxes coming in digging up their seedlings

Monique Mbelu, originally from The Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the launch of The International Garden Centre at Ardfoyle Convent, Ballintemple, Cork, today. Picture: Clare Keogh

A new initiative for migrant families in Ireland to grow food from their own countries alongside others in the local community was launched in Ballintemple, Cork city, on Tuesday.

The International Garden at the Ardfoyle Convent aims to create a safe space for families living in Direct Provision, who work with the Cork Migrant Centre, Nano Nagle Place and newly-arrived Ukrainian families in Cork.