RTÉ’s ‘Build Your Own Home’ team calls for support on Mayo special

RTÉ’s ‘Build Your Own Home’ is heading to Mayo, and they are calling on the local community to help.

The crew will host a community special on Clare Island, putting on workshops with show presenter and Australian eco-builder and sustainability designer, Harrison Gardner.

The ‘Build Your Own Home’ team referred to Clare Island as ‘a beautiful gem of an island’ that ‘should be on every Irish person's bucket list’. 

The production team have found it to be a magical place to visit and have met wonderful locals there, however, the much-used facilities and the cramped multipurpose Community Centre is making the island less appealing for day trippers, tourists and the islanders themselves. In the first instance, the community centre's shower rooms for day trippers and campers desperately need a revamp.

Joanne Carroll, of Cliara Development Company DAC said: “Build your own home with Harrison Gardner series to produce something a little bit special at the island’s community centre whilst showcasing just what can be achieved when like minded enthusiast people come together.

"The project will help to provide a platform to showcase and boost the island on a national level. I have no doubt some island magic will come through during the production. Any help that can be offered from the island’s many friends would be greatly appreciated."

Mr Gardner and team would love to hear from resident volunteers and others keen to learn and assist across Mayo and beyond, who might be interested in taking part in a Meitheal on October 26, 27 and 28 on Clare Island. 

Volunteers will help out of course, but also learn some real renovation skills from building teacher, Mr Gardner.

The production team would also love to hear from local businesses and suppliers who might help with supplies and materials for the shower room space.

Mr Gardner and the ‘Build Your Own Home’ team are excited to go beyond their Family Builds in series two of the show, and help a worthy community help themselves. 

In late October and early Spring next year, Mr Gardiner will be hosting two special Meitheal / Community events to help Clare Island residents make their community work better for visitors, but more importantly, for the locals living there too.   

Any support from local or regional suppliers to help them make Clare Island an extra special place to visit and more importantly to live is more than invited.

Please email the Production Team with any offers of support to buildyourownhomeS2@gmail.com.