Local Training Initiative

IRD Duhallow ’ s LTI is funded by Cork Employment and Training Board and is focused on horticulture. Now in its sixth year, its success is largely attributable to the extensive grounds available to the project at the James O’Keeffe Institute. The Irish horticultural industry is an important economic sector in Ireland with an estimated farm gate value of €433m, which is the fourth highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value. In Duhallow the Local Training Initiative provides vocational training opportunities in Horticulture, providing Level 4 and Level 5 certification leading to progression to further training, education and work in the horticultural sector.

Five students completed their Level 4 Certificate in August 2021, with 4 of them receiving Distinctions across all 8 modules despite the difficulties of having to work through Covid 19 regulations, including lockdowns, online learning and restrictions on field trips and work placements. Their experience was undoubtedly different to those gone before, but the level of enthusiasm and resilience that each student brought to the gardens each day has been unchanged and we wish them all the best with the next projects they embark upon.

Andrew McCarthy showing off his skills at taking hardwood cuttings. These roses will be ready to be planted out next Autumn.

Christmas 2021.

- Natural Christmas Decorations workshop.

New Programme

Five new students started their Level 4 journey in September 2021, and have embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and hard work. This year ’ s students have been involved in starting a seed saving initiative with a dedicated polytunnel for preserving local and heritage varieties of seed suitable for the North Cork environment.

Over the 11 months of the programme the students learn how to propagate plants from seed, cuttings, division and other methods, they learn how to grow fruit and vegetables, including crop rotation and organic production. They learn how to best select plants for different locations and environments and how to get the best out of flowering plants by careful planting and pruning. They learn about the importance of our most valuable resource of all, the soil, and how to care for it as a living entity. They also learnt how to be a part of nature, one aspect of the biodiversity all around us.

John Aherne delivers manure for this season ’ s potato crop. John Aherne, Moira Sheehan and Caroline O'Keeffe weaving in the living willow fence on a cold winters day.

Progression Opportunities

To date 46 students have successfully completed the programme at Levels 4 and 5 with 38 achieving the major award, consisting of all nine modules. 9 students successfully completed Moira Sheehan ’ s summer colour container Level 5 with 8 achieving the major is beautiful and will attract bees and award. Four past students also support wildlife. achieved Level 5 qualifications at An tlonad Glas in Dromcollogher and at Cork Training Centre, with three progressing to Level 8 qualifications in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology. A number of past students have also found employment with local landscaping companies, garden centres, golf courses and organic food producers. Two past students have been employed by the OPW based at Muckross House in Killarney National Park. The success of the horticulture training initiative is in no small part due to the extensive grounds and training facilities at the James O’Keefe Institute and the enthusiasm and commitment of each and every person who signs up to undertake the programme, whether they are experienced gardeners or complete novices.

Carrot seed crop in full flower. Part of our new seed saving initiative.

Ampai Heiphimai presenting her hand made bouquet of flowers grown at IRD Duhallow to Minister Norma Foley.

Testimony – Amphai Heiphimai

I moved into Newmarket in Febuary 2020 and was so lucky that the Horticulture course level 4 was running so close by in IRD Duhallow. I always have an informal interested in flowers and all kind of plants. But it wasn ’t until I started the Horticulture course that I really began to understand about plants, flowers, organic growing, soil, biodiversity and so much more. Everyone in the course was so friendly and super supportive of each other. Such a great learning environment here. The course is really fountain of everything Horticulture. Everything you need to know to grow organic and healthy strong plants. So that what I did! With everything I learned from the course I started my own small cut flowers business. Fresh cut, chemical free and locally grown here in Newmarket. In the future I hope to expand and continue to grow Irish seasonal fresh cut flowers. None of this would have been achievable without the help and support of my tutor Rachel Budd and IRD Duhallow.