Community gardens were discussed at the Sligo County Council monthly meeting
The benefits of community gardens and allotments were highlighted this week by Cllr Michael Clarke who brought a motion before the April meeting of Sligo County Council saying he had been contacted by people who would like to come together to form a community garden.
In his motion Cllr Clarke called on the local authority to “Prepare a report regarding the Council providing land for allotments in county Sligo. I have been contacted by a keen community of growers and gardeners eagerly looking for plots with a view to putting a committee in place, willing to work with the Council and take on responsibilities in relation to the setting up and running of the allotment sites.
Cllr Clarke highlighted the issue of food security saying, “You go into any shop, it is imported.”
Cllr Clarke referred to the reply he received from the local authority in relation to his motion stating, “The reply states the Council doesn’t want to get involved.”
The motion was supported by Cllr Thomas Healy who recalled the difficulty he had trying to establish a similar project.
“In 2010 I tried to bring a flagship project to Collooney. Unfortunately we didn’t get the support needed to get it over the line. This is a great way of bringing communities together, I think we have an opportunity.”
Cllr Ann Higgins also offered her support saying, “The benefits of community gardens are well known. It is a great way to bring communities together. There is one in Cleveragh that the Council have been very supportive of.
Cllr Barry Gallagher also gave his backing to the motion saying, “A lot of people would love something like this. My only fear would be the red tape and us getting buried before we even get started.”
Director of Services Emer Concannon addressed the meeting to clarify the Local Authority’s position in relation to community gardens saying, “We are supportive of allotments but don’t have a policy at the moment in terms of allotments. That is something that needs to be developed.”
The debate concluded with Cllr Clarke commenting, “It would be a fantastic way for communities to reduce the price of food and all be involved.”
Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
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