Charity gets green light for therapy garden project

A THERAPEUTIC garden with pod structures delivering free counselling, art therapy, and other supports for those affected by cancer is set to be developed on the grounds of Cork ARC Cancer Support House’s city campus.

The charity has been green-lit for the plans submitted to Cork City Council last October which proposed the development of a number of structures, including three open gazebos, two beehive pods, and a log cabin at the Sarsfield Road premises.

“The land adjacent to the house is the area we are planning to develop for our therapeutic garden project,” the cover letter of the application stated.

“This garden would be used by our services users as a tranquil and safe space for reflection and contemplation. The pod structures would be used for counselling, art therapy, and play therapy for children.

“At present, this area is overgrown and unsightly and the completion of this project will greatly enhance the visual aspect of the area.”

The cover letter seeking permission for the therapeutic garden said the charity plans to increase the number of men using its services over the coming years.

“The allotment area in the garden would assist us in doing this as it would allow us to start a men’s group who would both maintain the garden and have ownership of this area.

“It is well known that men are more inclined to talk when standing side by side and we believe that the friendships built and the support these men would receive from each other while working on the garden would be of great benefit to them.”

Cork City Council has approved the plans subject to 11 conditions.